Emergency ended yesterday, what is Annuar Musa’s plan for Kuala Lumpur?

Emergency ended yesterday, what is Annuar Musa’s plan for Kuala Lumpur?

By Lim Lip Eng



THE state of emergency ended yesterday, but there is still no clear guideline from the Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa, whose ministry is in charge of the federal capital city of Kuala Lumpur.

It is his duty to explain to the public why the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Kuala Lumpur has risen so high, despite the declaration of the Emergency on Jan 11.

The Kuala Lumpur Opposition lawmakers have offered assistance but were snubbed. In the battle against the coronavirus, Annuar should set aside political differences and work with the Opposition to help the people in the city.

Now that the seven months of Emergency rule to curb the spread of the virus has failed disastrously, can we now all work together?

The livelihoods of the people and businesses in the city are being adversely impacted by the pandemic and Annuar did not make any announcement today on what his ministry and the city hall’s clear plans are for Kuala Lumpur.

What category of retail stores and offices will be allowed to operate now? Most mall owners want to reopen for businesses. So, what extra measures should be taken by the malls given the Delta variant is more aggressive and can spread faster?

And how far from home can people travel to work and run errands come tomorrow? Will all the departments in DBKL, land office and other Government agencies resume function as usual?

The pandemic has been around in the world for more than a year and a half, yet we have not achieved herd immunity. Many major cities in the globe have adopted to live with COVID-19 instead of hoping for “Zero Covid-19”. We can learn from the ongoing Olympic Games in Tokyo, which has yet to show any significant hike in COVID-19 cases.

It is time for Kuala Lumpur to live with COVID-19 as the new norm and allow businesses to reopen with strict SOP restrictions and proper education in place.

Annuar should take the lead when it come to Kuala Lumpur and step up, or risk damaging not only Kuala Lumpur’s economy but also its dwellers’ lives. – Aug 1, 2021.


Lim Lip Eng is the MP for Kepong.