LETTER | Finally, the lockdown that Malaysians sought after to help rein in the Covid-19 virus spread is here.

There should be no excuse whatsoever to violate or abuse the stringent, well-thought-out measures in place for the next 14 days.

There should be no exceptions as no one is above the stipulated measures, including politicians and those with a string of titles before their names.

We must as a nation of concerned and caring citizens join hands and go the distance to observe the total lockdown strictly.

In this regard, I would urge the authorities to come down hard on anyone who flouts or attempts to show disregard to the requirements enforced.

This includes SMEs which are operating from shop lots and small factories in particular.

If there are any deceiving operators who draw their shutters down and secretly operate their business, they should be punished with maximum fines or even have their permits withdrawn and exposed in the media.

For example, while the SOP allows printing companies to operate to support food and beverage orders, the authorities must be vigilant. There would be stubborn businesses that may operate even though they may not have orders to deliver to the food and beverage industry.

I also urge the police to come down hard on those trying to travel beyond the 10km radius permitted by using any forged documents.

This battle demands a national effort to succeed. Every citizen, the government, and all law enforcers must be up to the mark for the next 14 days if we are ever going to come out victorious.

We cannot be having lockdown after lockdown. This, all Malaysians must understand, and not play dumb.

Violators deserve no mercy. They are plain selfish enemies of the state. 

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