A coalition of more than 40 trade, business and professional associations has expressed regret over the government's decision to extend the movement control order (MCO) for another two weeks.

In a joint statement today, the coalition, Industries Unite, said the second MCO would kill businesses and leave many jobless and poverty-stricken.

In view of this, its legal adviser David Gurupatham and coordinator Irwin Cheong urged the government to lift the MCO.

"While public health and safety are of paramount importance, we expect to see the death rate for businesses...