Essential or Not?

A very long-time ago there was a country called Maya Tau in the star known as Proxima Centauri. The country was peaceful and harmonious until a virus known as Pokemon-19 ravaged it. Their esteemed leader, Muhimon, instituted a severe lockdown to reduce deaths. Everyone knew the real power lay with Azinosuke who oversaw the Ministry of All Trades and Investments (MATI). In fact, many businesses either lived or died by the rulings of MATI.

Restaurateurs and food suppliers were hopping mad over the confusion of whether their business was essential or otherwise. In addition, it was the excruciating approval process of MATI that caused some to lose their cool. There were too many flip-flops – although on this tropical land flip flops are commonly worn instead of shoes.

Mr. Lim Boh Rok who supplies fruits to wholesalers said he has yet to receive his approval. He is confused as to how some got their approvals while others failed, even in the same line of business. Mr. Lim Boh Rok also owns a chain of restaurants. His outlets that sold food and alcohol failed to get approvals from MATI. But where it was just a food outlet, approval was forthcoming. His staff were not confident to come to work unless he had the MATI letter of approval.

The fate was similar for Ms. Lawless and Mr. Doddle who both had licences for food and alcohol. “With MATI we have no hope to operate,” said both of them.” Why is cigarette sale allowed but not alcohol – when the latter is required to drown your sorrows?” they asked.

Then there is Makcik Kiah who has a stall and no clue of what MATI license is all about. She is on a piece of property owned by the local government and gets away “scot free” from rental.

Mr. How owns a cleaning and sanitation service and he too is not sure if his business is essential or otherwise. His workers are undocumented migrants to Maya Tau. So, he could get into serious trouble if he continues his operations.

Meanwhile, the heat is up in Maya Tau since air-con service personnel with proper approvals, are hard to come by. Generally, people are not encouraged to do any repair work on their homes or cars – another grey area as MATI has been slow to decide.

The colourful people of Maya Tau can’t even colour their hair because colouring dyes are deemed non-essential in a pandemic.

So, where do we go from here? MATI is irreplaceable and all powerful, unless of course there is a change in government. But that depends on whether it is essential or not?

 

(The above article is entirely fabricated. Any resemblance to the truth is purely coincidental and not intended to be or construed to be as facts. As the purpose is to entertain or amuse, no malice is intended on anyone or anything.)