KUALA LUMPUR: Given the challenging circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative for the government to have a clear pathway forward, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said today.

He said the National Recovery Plan (NRP) provided a systematic strategy for the country to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and also gave assurance to Malaysian workers and businesses as it provided clear timelines regarding the gradual reopening of the economy.

"In recent days, the government has done a lot better in ramping up the vaccination rollout as the rate of vaccination is critical in reducing the number of infections and in reviving the economy.

"Unfortunately, the increase in COVID-19 cases and the subsequent implementation of lockdown measures have had an impact on Malaysia's economic recovery," he said in his official address at the launch of the Malaysia Economic Monitor - June 2021 Edition held virtually today.