Author name: Miew Kee Wong

The pandemic has reduced economic activity, lowered incomes and increased unemployment for the vast majority of Malaysians and consequently, how much the government can realistically collect in tax revenues. Due to the mass uncertainties created by the pandemic, GDP and revenue projection becomes harder and more speculative the longer the COVID-19 virus and restrictive measures exist.

The alarming 6,806 Covid-19 cases yesterday and 6,075 cases on Wednesday have raised public alarm and many Malaysians now want the government to impose tighter restrictions or a full scale of lockdown. An INSAP Twitter poll drew 3,489 votes within less than 15 hours since it was launched. The public poll showed 90% support for the government to impose full MCO.