MPs worried about economic impact from steps to prevent Covid-19

Many members of the parliament have expressed dismay at the government moves to restrict tourists that would have a negative impact on the tourism industry of the country. The government has moved to restrict arrivals from five countries due to the spread of the Covid-19 disease. Four cases of the disease have been spotted in the Maldives so far.

An emergency motion regarding the move by the government was presented to the parliament today by Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla Jabir, who described the move as having negative repercussions on the economy that might cripple it.

Many MPs agreed with the assessment by MP Jabir. The Speaker of the parliament Mohamed Nasheed also added that the disease cannot be controlled by just restricting travelers from China and Italy. He added that if the government wanted to control the disease, travelers from all countries should be denied entry.

“Flights operate to the UK, Germany and other European nations from Italy. People arrive in the Maldives through these countries. So, it is clear, that if we stop, we have to stop everything (arrivals from every country).” said Nasheed.

Ihavandhoo MP Mohamed Shifaau agreed with the speaker and added that it was not the most constructive step to restrict the operation of flights. He noted that tourism today, was not just limited to resorts that do not have a local population and pointed out that several guesthouses are operated in inhabited islands. The conclusion by MP Shifaau was that tourist arrivals must not be stopped.

Dhiggaru MP Ikraam Hassan added that the country should not take any measures that could detriment the economy.

He added that the Covid-19 did not seem as dangerous and any measures taken should not hinder the economy. The detriment of steps taken hindering the economy could be worse than the effects of the disease, due to the reduced income from tourism.

Makunudhoo MP Mohamed Raee stated that the perception of the disease being seen as an extremely dangerous one was due to the coverage by media that depicted it as such.

His point was backed up by Kanditheemu MP Abdulla Shaheem who said that it was not wise to move towards a direction that can be more detrimental in order to save the country from something less dangerous.

Baarashu MP Ahmed Abdulla also had the media in his sights as he assessed that the disease was not as serious as thought. He said that protecting the economy should be one of the most important aspects to think about.

Kelaa MP Ibrahim Shareef then spoke by saying that the budget for this year was the biggest to date and the restriction of tourists from Italy and China would result in a 3.3 percent loss in income. The damage caused to the economy should be kept in mind, according to the MP.

Central Maafannu MP Ibrahim Rasheed did not agree with the words of the previous MPs. He stated that MP Jabir is calling to bring tourists even at a time when the disease was identified in the Maldives and that this was an acceptable option.

Maradhoo MP Ibrahim Shareef also spoke against the issue by saying that the country had imposed steps just like other countries in the world and MP0 Jabir’s emergency issue would only confuse the public.