Taking samples for COVID-19 tests in Damansara, Malaysia (Source: xinhua/VNA)Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Worries has increased over Malaysia’s new dailyCOVID-19 infections at the three digits for the second straight day on May 3, justone day before the country partially loosens the Movement Control Order (MCO).
On the day, thecountry reported 122 new cases, the highest number since April 16, bringing thetotal to 6,298 with 105 fatalities.
On May 1, MalaysianPrime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the nation will allow a majorityof enterprises to resume operations from May 4 and partially ease restrictionsimposed to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
However, religiousactivities, large gatherings and businesses that involve close contacts such ascinemas and night clubs will not be allowed to reopen. Schools and universitieswill also remain closed.
The PM informed thatthe Government had lost 63 billion ringgit (14.6 billion USD) from the movementand travel restrictions imposed over six weeks. It will lose another 35 billionringgit if the restrictions have been extended by a month.
Meanwhile, the MalaysianEmployers Federation (MEF) said that Malaysia could saw anall-time high unemployment figure, higher than both the 1998 Asian financialcrisis and the 2009 global financial crisis combined.
It estimated thatunemployment could reach up to two million this year, or a staggeringunemployment rate of 13 percent./.
VNA
