Dear Tan Sri Prime Minister

We, the undersigned here appreciate the efforts taken by the government to protect the public interest in implementing Control Movement Order. However, we would appreciate that the authorities apply some pragmatism in doing risk management of COVID infection.

Off late there have been many domestic incidents and only a small fraction is reported. At the same time, police were not showing reasonable flexibility that people walking to buy grocery was arrested and stern warnings issued to people washing their cars alone in front of their house.

People need a break and some breathing space.  What is being asked has NO impact on disease transmission. There is a need to apply the breaks and release it occasionally so that the people don't go bonkers.

People need to do some minimal activities. Washing cars daily in front of the house can be therapeutic. It's not about washing cars but about mental health. So is allowing people to go for morning or evening exercise within 800m from their home while maintaining social distancing is pragmatic and helps lots of people.

From a risk management point of view, allowing people to go to supermarkets and wet markets carries higher risk and to-date there have been no cases reported from contacts of people going shopping. 

We understand the need for social distancing. We understand how the virus spreads. None of us wants to get infected. We understand how to protect our selves.

How is going for a morning solo walk or doing solo car wash or doing gardening across the house can pose more risk than going to supermarkets? Just because there is one case in Johor, why can't the people's freedom within the state of Perlis or other districts with no cases be increased?

Learn from Singapore. Despite the massive number of positive cases there, the country leaders encouraged their residents to do solo activities and exercise nearby where they live while maintaining social distance. This is pragmatism.

We hereby called upon you to apply pragmatism during the MCO. We respect what needs to be done and only ask for a small breathing space. PLEASE APPLY SOME PRAGMATISM BEFORE OTHER SOCIAL AND MEDICAL PROBLEMS ARISE.

Thank you

RAKYAT MALAYSIA