LETTER | The government’s sudden implementation of MCO 3.0 has earned a commendation from the WHO.

In the wake of weeks of a rising number of infections at an average of 3,500 cases daily, the government of Malaysia saw it necessary to restrict people movements nationwide.

But there are several questions that are not being addressed by those in power besides repeatedly saying, "It is a decision made ...".

One, you have more than a year's experience and hindsight in your bag on how to tackle the virus.

Two,  you had numerous calls from political opponents and concerned experts well ahead of the start of Ramadan to be cautious with opening up of all sectors of the economy.

Three, you already knew - even with the limited testing and tracking capabilities - that the superspreader variants of the virus were already in the country.

In view of all the above three truths, why did the government not call for an MCO 3.0 at the start of Ramadan?

If it did, Malaysian Muslims would have been spared the painful, sudden surprise of not being able to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri even with modest measures.

Now with an MCO 3.0 in place, drones are being deployed to monitor people movements during the start of Hari Raya.

What are the psychological implications and social effects of such measures?

Further, while you have declared and vouched for a strict MCO 3.0 - one that basically stops all forms of street vending and even places strict guidelines on congregational worship, home visits and movement of people -  you have asked all work to carry on as normal (with SOPs).

The question is, what economic sectors are you protecting and nurturing?

Are the self-employed and stall operators plus the countless Ramadan bazaar traders not recognised as engines of the economy of this nation?

And how will you monitor the countless number of SME factories and suppliers and shops/offices throughout the country to ensure that your strict SOPs are being adhered to as they operate during this MCO 3.0?

Or how will you even know and track down those who give friends cover letters authorising movement during this MCO 3.0?

Your roadblocks, in truth, cannot check every vehicle but endanger the health of hundreds of policemen and women on duty as they stand exposed to the virus.

Indeed it is no surprise that social media is bursting through the roof with an avalanche of unhappiness over the MCO 3.0.

While no one questions the need to fight the virus together as one nation, the government appears that it is not on the same page.

In a national crisis, instead of convening all members of Parliament and working in unison together with all elected MPs, Muhyiddin Yassin has chosen to operate without the strengths, experience and wisdom of Parliament.

This has further led to the overdrive in public condemnation and unhappiness.

Certainly, the 70-member cabinet is not blind and oblivious of the countless videos, messages and audios circulating in the country.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.