Freight forwarders back lockdown but targeted one

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Freight Forwarders (FMFF) has supported stricter movement restrictions but it should be targeted at specific states or zones rather than a total lockdown nationwide.

FMFF, in a statement yesterday, said it supports a lockdown of two-to-four-weeks to curb the spike in Covid-19 cases despite the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) 3.0.

It said the forecast that the numbers could soon go to 10,000 cases and beyond was frightening and real cause for concern, whether by the government, businesses or individuals.

“While FMFF is supportive that business should go on as usual, the fact remains that the number of cases has not abated and the medical facilities are stretched to the limit; even with ad-hoc measures to increase capacity to treat the surge in new cases.

“At the same time, to alleviate the burden to both employers and employees who may be affected by the lockdown, the government should continue to provide the stimulus packages as were provided during MCO 1.0,” it said.

The federation urged the government to fast-track the national immunisation programme by requiring private hospitals and clinics to complement its efforts at no cost to the public to enable more people to be vaccinated in a shorter time.

It also lauds the efforts of state governments to provide vaccination to businesses and staff.

“We propose that the Selangor government provide the vaccination at no cost rather than charging RM380.00 for the two shots.

“These companies would be hard-pressed to pay for the vaccination cost of their staff and would rather wait for the free vaccination by the federal government.

“We hope the Selangor government can consider and grant free vaccination to the members of the port, maritime and logistics industry in the state,” it added.

Source: NST