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Friday, April 10, 2020

Malaysia's MCO extended until April 28 will continue to May 12, PM announces

 

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has announced that the movement control order (MCO) will be extended for another two weeks, from April 15 to April 28 to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Muhyiddin said that schools will remain closed with home-based and online learning in place until the situation is considered safe for children to return to schools.

He added that several economic sectors will be opened in stages and the government will make an announcement in the near future.

Muhyiddin noted that the extension of MCO would run into the month of Ramadan, expected to start on April 23, and said there would be no Ramadan bazaars nor terawih prayers in mosques.

The sighting of the moon to decide when Ramadan begins will be on April 23.

"Based on the advice of the Health Ministry and medical experts, the government had decided to extend the MCO for another two weeks from April 15 to April 28.

"This extension is to give room for healthcare workers to combat Covid-19 and prevent a re-emergence.

"The move is in line with the view of the World Health Organisation (WHO) which suggested that countries do not end the MCO too early.

"In some countries, the spread of Covid-19 increased again when the MCO was lifted," said Muhyiddin in a televised address on Friday (April 10).

He said that the MCO so far had kept the pandemic in check with the country registering positive Covid-19 cases at 7%, less than the world benchmark of 10% by WHO.

Malaysia's death rate from Covid-19 is also at 1.6%, way below the world's death rate of 5.8%, said the Prime Minister.

As of Thursday (April 9), 67 deaths were reported.

The first phase of the MCO, which was introduced to break the chain of Covid-19 infection, was from March 18 to 31, followed by the second phase from April 1 to 14. - The Star

Here is the Prime Minister's full speech in Bahasa Malaysia:

https://youtu.be/4RFB1OuLV-I

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Assalamuálaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh dan salam sejahtera.

Saudara-saudari rakyat Malaysia yang saya kasihi. Apa khabar semua? Saya harap saudara-saudari sihat sejahtera bersama keluarga di rumah. Bagi yang sedang bekerja, selamat bekerja dan jaga kesihatan. Sentiasa amalkan penjarakan sosial, jaga kebersihan diri dan apabila balik ke rumah jangan lupa mandi dulu. Kemudian barulah buat apa-apa aktiviti bersama keluarga.

Di awal ucapan saya ini, saya nak menzahirkan rasa terima kasih dan penghargaan saya kepada anda semua sebagai rakyat Malaysia. Anda adalah manusia yang hebat.

Doktor dan jururawat yang berada di barisan hadapan, anda mengambil risiko setiap kali melangkah masuk ke wad. Tetapi anda terus melangkah dengan gagah untuk menyelamatkan nyawa orang lain. Walaupun letih, anda tidak mengeluh tetapi terus berkhidmat dengan cekal. Terima kasih yang tak terhingga saya ucapkan.

Terima kasih juga saya ucapkan kepada doktor dan jururawat di hospital swasta. Ketika hospital kerajaan sibuk merawat pesakit COVID 19, hospital swasta menerima pesakit-pesakit bukan COVID 19 untuk dirawat.

Terima kasih juga kepada anggota polis dan tentera yang menjaga sekatan jalan raya. Anda berpanas, berhujan, tetapi terus menjalankan tugas. Syabas saya ucapkan.

Juga kepada anggota Imigresen, Angkatan Pertahanan Awam, Bomba, RELA, pihak berkuasa tempatan dan lain-lain agensi yang turut membantu. Saya ucapkan terima kasih.

Terima kasih juga kepada insan-insan yang bermurah hati membungkus makanan untuk dihantar kepada para petugas di barisan hadapan. Mereka buat secara percuma tanpa mengharapkan apa-apa balasan. Anda adalah insan yang hebat.

Begitu juga kepada anda yang bekerja menghantar makanan. Samada grab food, food panda atau lain-lain. Anda mengambil risiko. Orang lain duduk di rumah, anda keluar rumah untuk pastikan orang lain boleh makan. Anda melakukan satu pekerjaan yang mulia. Pesan saya, jaga kesihatan, jaga keselamatan, jangan bawa motor laju-laju. Anda juga insan yang hebat.

Pendek kata, kita ibarat sebuah keluarga besar. Kita saling bantu membantu ketika zaman susah. Kita jaga keluarga kita. Kita jaga jiran kita. Kita jaga masyarakat kita. Baik kita di kampung, di kawasan perumahan, di kondominium, di rumah flat. Kita jaga kita. Inilah nilai sebenar persaudaraan rakyat Malaysia tanpa mengira bangsa.

Saudari-saudari yang saya kasihi,

Berdasarkan situasi terkini, pelaksanaan Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan telah dapat membantu para petugas kesihatan kita mengawal penularan COVID-19 ke satu tahap yang agak stabil.

Menurut unjuran yang dibuat oleh Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, PKP yang dilaksanakan dalam tempoh hampir sebulan yang lalu telah sedikit sebanyak mengurangkan kebolehjangkitan dan penularan COVID-19.

Dengan usaha-usaha yang telah dibuat, kes-kes positif COVID-19 adalah terkawal pada kadar 7%, iaitu di bawah benchmark 10% yang ditetapkan oleh Pertubuhan Kesihatan Sedunia atau WHO.

Kadar kematian akibat wabak ini juga adalah rendah, iaitu 1.6% berbanding 5.8% kadar kematian di peringkat dunia. Setakat ini seramai 1,830 orang pesakit telah keluar dari hospital. Ini bermakna 43% pesakit COVID-19 telah pulih.

Hari ini sahaja jumlah pesakit yang pulih ialah seramai 220 orang, melebihi jumlah kes positif baharu iaitu sebanyak 118 kes. Jumlah kes positif baharu juga telah menunjukkan penurunan sejak beberapa hari yang lalu. Jika trend penurunan ini berterusan untuk tempoh dua minggu akan datang, insyaAllah kita akan dapat mengawal wabak COVID-19 ini daripada menular. Namun begitu, kita tidak boleh mengambil mudah situasi yang sedang berlaku.

Penularan wabak ini masih di peringkat pertengahan dan memerlukan tindakan pencegahan serta kawalan yang berterusan. Malahan, usaha-usaha mencegah wabak ini mesti diperhebatkan lagi bagi memutuskan rantaian penularan jangkitan.

Ini termasuk memberi tumpuan khusus kepada kumpulan-kumpulan sasar yang dikenalpasti menjadi punca penularan wabak ini. Sehubungan itu, berdasarkan nasihat daripada Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia dan pakar-pakar perubatan, kerajaan memutuskan untuk melanjutkan pelaksanaan Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan untuk tempoh dua minggu lagi, iaitu dari 15 April hingga 28 April 2020.

Pelanjutan tempoh ini dibuat untuk memberi ruang kepada petugaspetugas kesihatan memerangi penularan COVID-19, selain mengelakkan penularan semula wabak ini dalam masyarakat.

Tindakan ini adalah selaras dengan pandangan WHO yang menyarankan negaranegara supaya tidak menamatkan perintah kawalan pergerakan terlalu awal. Sepertimana yang berlaku di beberapa buah negara, penularan wabak ini meningkat semula apabila perintah kawalan pergerakan ditamatkan.

Apa yang saya hendak sebutkan di sini ialah kita mesti bersedia untuk berhadapan dengan situasi ini bagi satu tempoh masa yang agak lebih lama. Ianya mungkin berlarutan untuk tempoh beberapa bulan, sebelum kita dapat betul-betul pastikan penularan wabak ini diatasi seratus peratus.

Itupun kehidupan kita mungkin tidak boleh kembali seperti sediakala. Selagi virus ini masih ada, amalan penjarakan sosial mesti diteruskan. Kita mesti sentiasa menjaga kebersihan diri. Elakkan sebarang perhimpunan. Hindari tempat yang sesak.

Bulan Ramadan akan menjelang tiba tidak lama lagi. Kita tidak boleh ke bazar Ramadhan untuk membeli juadah berbuka puasa, tidak boleh ke masjid untuk berterawih. Jadi berterawih lah di rumah bersama keluarga. Mungkin juga kita tidak boleh balik ke kampung seperti biasa.

Walaupun sukar untuk kita bayangkan perkara ini, tetapi inilah kenyataan yang akan kita hadapi.

Saya juga baca komen-komen ibu-bapa di facebook. Ramai yang mahu penutupan sekolah dilanjutkan lagi. Ibu-bapa rata-rata bimbang tentang keselamatan anak-anak. Saya pun ada cucu yang bersekolah. Seperti saudara-saudari saya pun bimbang juga. Semua orang sayangkan anak.

Cucu lebih lagilah sayangnya. Jadi, sekolah mungkin tidak akan dibuka lebih awal. Kita mungkin akan tangguhkan dahulu sesi persekolah sehinggakan kita benar-benar yakin keadaan telah kembali pulih.

Sementara itu, anak-anak kita perlu belajar di rumah. Saya telah minta Kementerian Pendidikan supaya melaksanakan inisiatif pembelajaran dari rumah atau home based learning sepanjang tempoh kawalan pergerakan ini, dan mungkin untuk tempoh yang seterusnya sehinggalah sekolah dibuka. Walaupun keadaan di negara kita insyaAllah akan kembali pulih dengan langkahlangkah yang sedang diambil, kita mesti ingat bahawa bukan negara kita sahaja yang terkesan dengan wabak ini. Seluruh dunia terkesan termasuklah negara-negara jiran kita.

Saya nak beritahu, di sepanjang sempadan negara kita ini banyak terdapat loronglorong tikus. Pendatang asing tanpa izin biasanya bolos menerusi lorong-lorong ini.

Jika kita tidak tingkatkan kawalan, mereka mungkin bolos dan membawa virus masuk ke negara kita. Na’uzubillah. Jadi, saya telah arahkan Ketua Polis Negara, Panglima Angkatan Tentera, Ketua Pengarah Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia, Imigresen, RELA dan lain-lain agensi yang berkaitan supaya perketatkan kawalan di sepanjang sempadan negara.

Ringkasnya, kehidupan kita untuk bulan-bulan atau tahun yang mendatang ini tidak akan kembali seperti biasa. Kita akan menjalani kehidupan dengan “the new normal” atau kebiasaan baharu. Apa yang biasa kita buat dahulu, tak boleh kita buat lagi. Contoh mudahnya, berjabat tangan. Kalau dulu berjabat tangan bila berjumpa adalah satu perkara yang biasa dibuat. Kalau tak dibuat ianya dianggap janggal, atau tak beradab. Tetapi sekarang ini lain. Kita tak boleh berjabat tangan bila berjumpa untuk mengelakkan jangkitan virus. Mungkin kita tunduk sahaja sebagai tanda hormat. Ini adalah “the new normal”, atau kebiasaan baharu. Begitu juga perkara yang kita tak biasa buat sebelum ini seperti basuh tangan. Sekarang dan untuk masa yang akan datang kita mesti biasakan membasuh tangan dengan lebih kerap. Gunakan sabun, hand sanitizer dan sebagainya. Juga memakai face mask.

Banyak lagi contoh-contoh lain yang tak perlu saya sebut kerana saya fikir saudarasaudari faham maksud kebiasaan baharu yang mesti kita amalkan dalam menjalani kehidupan seharian untuk tempoh yang mendatang.

Saudara-saudari yang saya kasihi sekalian, Saya faham bahawa ekonomi negara kita terjejas kerana sekatan-sekatan yang dibuat terhadap aktiviti perusahaan, perkilangan dan perniagaan sepanjang tempoh PKP berkuatkuasa.

Untuk itu, kerajaan bersetuju supaya beberapa sektor ekonomi yang 6 terpilih akan dibuka semula secara berperingkat dengan garispanduan penjagaan kesihatan dan kawalan pergerakan yang ketat. Sebuah jawatankuasa khas kabinet yang dipengerusikan bersama oleh Menteri Kanan Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri dan Menteri Kanan Pertahankan diwujudkan untuk meneliti senarai sektor-sektor ekonomi yang terpilih untuk dibuka secara berperingkat.

Saya ingin tegaskan bahawa pembukaan beberapa sektor yang terhad ini bukan bermaksud kita melonggarkan perintah kawalan pergerakan. Perintah ini masih berkuatkuasa dan semua arahan yang dikeluarkan oleh pihak berkuasa mestilah dipatuhi.

Jika terdapat pengusaha, kilang atau syarikat yang melanggar peraturan, kerajaan akan menarik balik kebenaran yang diberikan. Senarai sektor ini akan diumumkan oleh kerajaan dalam masa terdekat. Saudara-saudari yang saya kasihi sekalian, sebagai Perdana Menteri, saya bertanggungjawab menjaga keselamatan nyawa saudara-saudari. Setiap nyawa adalah berharga. Baik bayi, orang muda, orang dewasa atau warga emas, semuanya bernilai.

Kehilangan satu nyawa kerana virus ini bukan bererti kehilangan kepada suami, isteri, anak-anak atau keluarga terdekat sahaja, tetapi juga satu kehilangan besar buat negara. Kerana itu, marilah kita bersama-sama menjaga kesihatan diri kita, keluarga kita dan orang-orang di sekeliling kita dengan mematuhi perintah kawalan pergerakan.

Let me remind you that the war on COVID-19 is not yet over. The fight is still on. We are doing well so far, so just uplift your spirit and continue to fight. If we persevere, insyaAllah we will win.

Saya bertuah kerana anda semua adalah insan yang berdisiplin dan patuh kepada undang-undang. Tahap pematuhan PKP di negara kita adalah tinggi dan ini 7 menunjukkan saudara-saudari semua faham akan kepentingan menjaga kesihatan dan keselamatan diri. Teruskanlah sikap yang terpuji ini. Teruslah berusaha, berdoa dan bertawakkal.

InsyaAllah kita akan berjaya mengharungi ujian ini bersama-sama. Kepada Allah jualah kita berserah.

Wabillahi al-taufiq wal hidayah wassalamu’alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.

Update Related stories:

Be prepared to stay home longer to May 12

The movement control order (MCO), which is supposed to end on April 28 after two extensions, will continue to May 12 with the possibility of a further extension, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.




Covid-19: Surveillance at country's borders to be beefed up, says PM 

Most M’sians okay with longer MCO
MCO should be extended, say health experts


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Specific non-essential industries allowed to operate during extended MCO


https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/04/07/rm10bil-a-boon-for-smes-and-workers?jwsource=cl https://youtu.be/wGzVdeA3b0g ...
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/03/28/no-one-left-behind-says-pm?jwsource=cl BANTUAN PRIHATIN NASIONAL (BPN) Check your.

Covid-19 https://youtu.be/LBDAd1IZrc4 T he hosts, the Islamic missionary movement Tablighi Jama’at, which traces its roots back to
 

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Wuhan reopens after coronavirus lockdown

 People stand near the Yangtze River in the city of Wuhan, on April 6. In recent weeks, officials have gradually eased some of the lockdown measures, allowing a limited number of residents to leave their residential compounds for a short time. China lifts lockdown on Wuhan as city reemerges from coronavirus crisis  -

https://youtu.be/xBiJLJIOyWo

https://youtu.be/mkCH8JQx8IQ

What does Wuhan tell us?

https://youtu.be/q_z7dX4lGl0

What can we learn from the Wuhan lockdown?

https://youtu.be/jXvDcAFj6zk

Let Wuhan's sacrifice not be in vain

https://youtu.be/YH6JjdANIPY

Can China and the U.S. join hands amid hardship?


https://youtu.be/CcSi-dVgjkg

COVID-19 cases still rising in U.S., deaths surpass 12,000



Virus was spreading in NYC in February, came via Europe ...

https://youtu.be/TTHYpGxFj_c

Virus was spreading in NYC in February, came via Europe ...

Virus claims record dead but Trump sees light at end of tunnel ...

 

This is the moment that Wuhan, China, reopened. The city was under lockdown for the last 76 days amid a tight coronavirus quarantine. Home to over 11 million people, the Chinese city celebrated its reopening with a midnight light show.

As the rest of the world tackles the coronavirus pandemic, China has been sending medical support across the globe to help other countries.


This is the moment that Wuhan, China, reopened. The city was under lockdown for the last 76 days amid a tight coronavirus quarantine. Home to over 11 million people, the Chinese city celebrated its reopening with a midnight light show.

As the rest of the world tackles the coronavirus pandemic, China has been sending medical support across the globe to help other countries.

Many families have been apart since the lockdown began, and now that travel restrictions have been lifted many reunion are happening across the city.

Hubei to uphold first-level emergency response as Wuhan ends lockdown

Before the city was reopened, Central China's Hubei Province said on Tuesday it will stick to first-level emergency response in tackling COVID-19, even as its capital, Wuhan, lifts travel restrictions.

Provincial colleges, primary and secondary schools, secondary vocational schools, technical colleges and kindergartens will continue to postpone the start of new semester, said the notice.

Hu Shuguang, Wuhan's Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said epidemic control and prevention remain top priority in Wuhan, and people should stay alert.

Hu stressed that reporting no new case doesn't mean there's zero risk of the virus in Wuhan. The epidemic control and prevention task remains critical.

As for now, many residents are celebrating, while remaining alert for signs of the virus.

Check out The China Report, our new weekly newsletter. Subscribe here!

By  Omar Elwafaii

Wuhan lockdown ends

 

Wuhan lockdown ends

Wuhan, capital of Central China's Hubei Province, restarts on Wednesday after a 76-day lockdown as local authorities officially lift outbound travel restrictions, signaling the normal resumption of life for the city of 11 million people and a phased victory in combating the novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19).


Lifting Wuhan lockdown & controlling risks should be in parallel: Global Times editorial

The Chinese people need to become mentally stronger, not feeling as nervous as before when facing a new reported case. Local governments must guard against any sign of the epidemic while promoting resumption of work and production. This is a test for the entire Chinese society.

Chinese firms accelerate production of hydroxychloroquine, other APIs to meet global needs

Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturers in China are going full speed ahead to produce what US President Donald Trump has called a "game-changer" as well as other APIs to help countries around the world combat the COVID-19 pandemic, as India moves to partially resume exports of two crucial drugs.

Washington makes WHO a new scapegoat: Global Times editorial

Washington should stop its hypocritical political games. They are of no help for the US to combat the coronavirus. Only by effectively reducing the losses of the American people can US politicians finally recover their political losses

 https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/african-americans-may-be-dying-covid-19-higher-rate-better-n1178011
 

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Like a phoenix, Wuhan reemerges from dark coronavirus lockdown in warm spring

Those who had been staying in Wuhan since the city's lockdown to contain the COVID-19 pandemic keep asking themselves for more than two months: What do I want to do the most after the lockdown is lifted and life returns to normal?
 

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Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Second sitimulus package of RM10bil for Malaysian SMEs and workers affected by coronavirus pandemic


https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/04/07/rm10bil-a-boon-for-smes-and-workers?jwsource=cl

https://youtu.be/wGzVdeA3b0g
80% of financial help will be additional wage subsidies for employees

PETALING JAYA: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and their employees will benefit from a RM10bil financial lifeline.

This is the second stimulus package that the government has announced within 10 days.

The first addresses the plight of the underprivileged and the middle class caught in dire straits due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The latest package of measures, dubbed the Additional Prihatin, is aimed at assisting SMEs in riding out the Covid-19 storm.

Of the RM10bil, almost 80% will be for additional wage subsidies for those drawing RM4,000 and below monthly.

This is in response to the pleas from many businesses and commerce groups who asked for more financial help.

This is an addition to the RM5.9bil wage subsidy in the RM250bil Prihatin package announced on March 27.

The remaining RM2.1bil in the second package will be in the form of special grants for eligible micro SMEs, with 700,000 of them expected to each receive RM3,000.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (pic) hoped that the additional RM10bil would assist in easing the financial burden of the SMEs and ensure that all their workers remain employed.

“SMEs are the backbone of Malaysia’s economy and the sector accounts for more than two-thirds of the number of jobs in the country and close to 40% of the economy.

“It is therefore vital for us to ensure that SMEs continue to be resilient and sustainable in facing the economic stress and challenges that we all experiencing now,” he said in a televised address yesterday.

The wage subsidy is expected to benefit about 4.8 million SME workers who earn up to RM4,000 a month.

Companies with more than 200 employees will be eligible for a RM600 wage subsidy for each worker, while those that have between 76 and 200 employees will receive the RM800 subsidy.

Companies that employ between one and 75 employees will receive RM1,200 for every worker.

The wage subsidy is for three months and is meant for employers whose companies have registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) or the local authorities before Jan 1 and are registered with the Social Security Organisation (Socso).

It also comes with a condition that employers must retain their staff for at least six months – the three months during which the subsidy is paid and the three months after that.

The government has also abolished the 2% interest under the RM500mil microcredit schemes offered by Bank Simpanan Nasional.

The easy loan scheme for micro-companies is extended to Tekun Nasional with a maximum loan limit of RM10,000 per company at 0%. A funding of RM200mil has been prepared for this purpose.

Businesses can only apply for either one.

Muhyiddin also announced that landlords of private premises who reduce their rental rates by at least 30% from April to June this year will qualify for tax deductions.

He made a plea to landlords to reduce their rental rates during the period and for three months after it ends.

The tax deductions are equivalent to the amount of rent they reduce for three months, subject to the condition that the reductions are at least 30% during the period.

Muhyiddin added that SMEs in premises owned by government-linked companies (GLCs) will have their rental waived or they will enjoy discounts on the rental.

He thanked GLCs such as Mara, Petronas, Permodalan Nasional Bhd, PLUS, UDA and several state-owned companies that have agreed to give these concessions.

“We are also allowing a 25% reduction in the foreign worker levy to all companies whose worker permits end between April 1 and Dec 31. However, this is not applicable for domestic helpers,” he said.

Muhyiddin also urged licensed moneylenders to emulate banks by offering a moratorium for SME instalment payments for six months beginning April.

In another win-win measure, the government is encouraging consultations to be held between employers and employees on employment terms, including the options of pay cuts and unpaid leave during the enhanced movement control order (MCO) period.

“Employers and employees can now refer to the Labour Department for advice to resolve any issues,” he said.

There is also an automatic 30-day moratorium from the last day of the enhanced MCO for companies to submit statutory documents to CCM.The deadline for companies to submit their financial statements has been extended for three months from the last day of the enhanced MCO.

This applies to companies whose previous financial years ended between Sept 30 and Dec 31 last year.

The companies must apply for the extension and no late submission fees will be imposed.

Source link

Stimulus package a welcome relief

 
Source: Samenta - Averest SME survey

SMES hope money can last until after the MCO

PETALING JAYA: While the additional stimulus for small and medium enterprises (SMES) is a welcomed relief, response from the industry has been somewhat tepid as these additional measures will likely only be sufficient to help soothe the pain until the end of the movement control order (MCO) in mid-april.

If the MCO is extended, the supplemental stimulus will not be enough to keep businesses going and the likelihood of them shuttering their operations will still be on the cards as they brace for a recession.

In an announcement yesterday, the Prime Minister presented an additional stimulus of Rm10bil to ease the financial burdens of the SMES following calls from the industry to provide greater support for the business community.

SME Association of Malaysia president Datuk Michael Kang took the stimulus positively but noted that there were other issues not addressed in yesterday’s announcement.

“We welcome these measures. But the measures are not really enough. They should allow SMES to do business to get their income and cashflow during this MCO period. But if the MCO is extended, these measures are definitely not enough,” he said.

For now, though, Kang is just grateful that the industry, at the very least, “got something”.

“This shows that the government is understanding and they are trying to help so that the SMES can survive and can retain as many jobs as possible.

“It didn’t fully meet our expectations. But of course, we proposed a lot of things,” he added.

One of the important issues which was not addressed in the stimulus is statutory payments, which many employers have said are among the main burdens on their monthly cashflow. Many business associations had asked for a waiver on EPF contributions – or a deferment till year end – and a deferment of monthly tax deductions to the end of the year.

“We hope this will be addressed later,” said Kang.

He also pointed out that there is a lack of impetus to stimulate the economy, moving forward, and this would continue to affect market demand post-mco, making it even more difficult for businesses to get back on their feet.

The new package saw an increase in allocation for the wage subsidy programme to Rm13.8bil from Rm5.9bil previously, with changes made to the payout amount based on the number of workers in a company.

For companies with more than 200 employees, a subsidy of RM600 per employee is maintained and the maximum number of workers eligible for subsidies will be increased from 100 to 200 workers.

For companies with 76 to 200 employees, the company will receive a subsidy of RM800 per employee while companies with up to 75 employees will receive a subsidy of RM1,200 per employee.

The expanded initiative is expected to benefit 4.8 million workers.

Special grants have also been doled out to micro businesses, which make up the largest portion of SMES and are the hardest hit.

The government has also incentivised owners of private premises to reduce rental rates for the duration of the MCO plus, three months after, with tax deductions. While this will help businesses in the services industry, particularly those in food and beverage, retail and accommodation – which make up about 63.9% of the services-based SMES – it remains to be seen if landlords will indeed take the bait.

Meanwhile, Ambank Group chief economist Anthony Dass said the additional stimulus measures supporting the SMES is positive, given that many are experiencing tight cashflow due to no or minimal sales revenue.

“However, the tight cashflow is not just because of the MCO. Businesses were also affected by the poor implementation and policy inconsistencies in the past. Besides, they were affected by the trade war and other domestic challenges.

“Even if the MCO is lifted by midapril or end April, demand is expected to be weak for some time due to travel aversion and social distancing.

“The drop in consumer and corporate spending will intensify the adverse chain reaction that will fuel the collapse of micro businesses, especially the younger and smaller businesses, due to their highly vulnerable situation,” he said.

Not every small business is equipped to survive this downturn, said Dass. And because small businesses contribute disproportionately to job loss during recessions, policy responses are necessary.

“Many SMES have been forced to close their doors and some may not reopen. Apart from revenue loss, they will be impacted by poor credit standings,” he added.

The additional measures will more likely help reduce bankruptcies and bad loans but job losses will remain a major concern.

Apart from rolling out effective measures to help SMES, another crucial point that policymakers will have to take note of is fast and smooth delivery of these measures. With most companies’ cashflow lasting only for two months or so, they cannot afford to weave through a mountain of red tape for a meagre sum.

A few companies that have tried to apply for aid under the Special Relief Facility announced last month said that not all banks are offering the loan and many of those that were, imposed a lot of conditions such as they have to be existing customers to qualify. Additionally, most bankers are unsure about how to handle the applications.

“The procedures and documents are proving to be quite a challenge,” said one food manufacturer.

These loans will also take time to be approved and are further subjected to the approval of Bank Negara and Credit Guarantee Corp Malaysia.

The Prime Minister has assured that the initiatives under the stimulus package will be monitored and implemented quickly and efficiently under a new implementation unit set up in the Finance Ministry. The unit will report directly to the Finance Minister and the Prime Minister.

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 Companies’ subsidy boon

75% of firms to enjoy RM1,200 aid per worker

“Most SMES in Malaysia employ fewer than 76 people. So actually, about 75% of companies qualify for this RM1,200 per employee.” Koong Lin Loong

PETALING JAYA: About 75% of companies in Malaysia are expected to benefit from the RM1,200 payout per employee under the expanded wage subsidy programme.

Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) SMES committee chairman Koong Lin Loong said the majority of companies in Malaysia, especially small and medium enterprises (SMES), employ fewer than 76 people and would be entitled to this subsidy.

In the Prihatin SME+ stimulus package announcement on Monday, the government increased the allocation for the programme to Rm13.8bil from Rm5.9bil previously.

Under the programme, companies with more than 200 workers will receive a subsidy of RM600 per employee and the maximum number of workers eligible for the subsidy is 200 workers.

For companies with 76 to 200 workers, the company will receive a subsidy of RM800 per employee and companies with up to 75 workers will receive a subsidy of RM1,200 per employee.

“The main objective of the wage subsidy is to help employers retain employees. It should also help the bigger players.

“That was why we asked for the programme to be expanded to all companies, but we need to help the smaller ones more.

“And if you look at most SMES in Malaysia, they employ fewer than 76 people.

“So actually, about 75% of companies in Malaysia qualify for this RM1,200 per employee,” he said.

Koong also clarified that companies with up to 75 workers did not need to prove that there was a 50% drop in sales since January to apply for this subsidy.

Only those with 76 workers and above will need to provide supporting documents to show that sales have declined by at least 50% since January.

“People think that every company needs to prove the 50% drop in sales.

“Actually if you look at the criteria, companies that have up to 75 employees don’t need to prove that sales dropped by more than 50%.

“They are exempted,” he said.

He added that the criteria to prove a 50% or more drop in sales was imposed on companies with 76 workers and above, as they are likely bigger players and would have slightly more reserves to last a little longer.

“If you are a bigger company and you have more than 200 employees, that is a total of RM120,000 that you can get in a month.

“And this programme is for three months. That is quite a bit.

“I think companies are receptive of this. I think that this is actually something significant from the government to help our businesses.

“We have to be fair to the government. Although it can’t subsidise 75% of wages like Singapore because of limited resources, this up-to-75-people criteria covers most companies already,” said Koong.

Prihatin Plus Stimulus Package

 BELOW are some frequently asked questions relating to the Prihatin Plus Stimulus Package.


Q : I am a micro-sme, is there a specific initiative for me?

A: Under the Prihatin SME+ stimulus

Package, a special Prihatin Grant worth Rm2.1bil will be established for eligible micro enterprises. A grant of RM3,000 will be provided to each company. The micro SMES must be registered with LHDN.

The government has also abolished the 2% interest rate to 0% under the Micro Credit Scheme amounting to Rm500mil under Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN). The soft loan scheme for micro enterprises is also extended to TEKUN Nasional with a maximum loan limit of RM10,000 at 0% for each enterprise.


Q: What is a micro-sme?

A: According to SME Corp, a micro-sme is defined as a company with sales turnover of less than RM300,000 or employs less than five people.

Q : How can I obtain financing from the Rm5bil Special Relief Facility (SRF) at an interest rate of 3.5% for SMES?

A: Information and application for the SRF can be made through participating banks or online through the / imsme.com.my/ portal. The IMSME portal is Malaysia’s online SME financing/loan referral platform managed by Credit Guarantee Corp Malaysia Bhd (CGC) and is supported by Bank Negara.

Financing of up to RM300,000 is also available for SMES in operation for less than 4 years under the Bizmula-i and Bizwanita-i Scheme on the IMSME portal.


Q : Can I make adjustments to my workers’ employment terms to cope with the MCO?

A: The government has agreed to encourage negotiations between employers and employees on the terms of their employment, including the option to deduct salaries and allow unpaid leave during the MCO.

Employers and employees can refer to the Labour Department to obtain advice in regards to any problems arising from a resolution.

Negotiations have to be based on employment laws of the country.


Q :What is the wage subsidy programme?

A: The wage subsidy programme is a financial assistance paid to employers for every worker who earns up to RM4,000 a month. It is intended to help employers with more than 50% drop in sales since January with headcount costs to continue operating and prevent employees from losing their jobs.

Companies with more than 200 employees will receive a subsidy of RM600 per employee for up to 200 workers. Companies with 76 to 200 employees will receive a subsidy of RM800 per employee while companies with up to 75 employees will receive a subsidy of RM1,200 per employee.

Employers can submit their applications for the subsidy at prihatin.perkeso.gov.my/ and further information can be obtained at perkeso.gov.my/ index.php/en/wage-subsidyprogramme


Q :How can a company with 76 employees and above prove that it is suffering a decline in revenue or sales of 50% or more?

A: Employers can prove a decrease of 50% or more with supporting documents showing the total sales revenue or income in January 2020 compared with the other months.

Q :When does the wage subsidy programme come into effect and end?

A: The wage subsidy programme goes into effect on April 1, 2020 and is for a duration of three months. The deadline for application is Sept 15, 2020.

Q :What documents are needed to apply for the wage subsidy programme?

A: i. List of employee that the subsidy is being applied for

ii. Employer’s bank account statement (front page only)

iii. Employer’s bank registration information

iv. Copy of the company’s registration documents

v. Copy of declaration form PSU50

vi. Supporting documents such as financial statements or sales reports to prove loss of revenue that has been verified by management or other related documents

Q :My company has various departments / branches. Can I select only part of the staff from the different departments / branches for the wage subsidy programme?

A: Yes. An employer can choose any local employee with a salary of up to RM4,000 to qualify for the wage subsidy programme.

Q :Who is NOT eligible for the wage subsidy programme?

A: i. Company that registers and operates on or after Jan 1, 2020;

ii. Employers and employees who are not registered with and/ or have not contributed to SOCSO

iii. Employees who are financially supported by the Employment Retention Programme (ERP) in the same month

iv. Employees with monthly salary of over RM4,000

v. Employees who have already been dismissed

vi. Employees of the public sector, federal and state statutory bodies, local authorities and those self-employed

vii. Foreign workers and expatriates



Read more:

S'pore adds US$3.5bil to stimulus, boosts handouts



Wage subsidy scheme application opens today

 


'SMEs must get cash soon' | The Star Online

 


SMEs give the thumbs up | The Star Online

 

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How about stimulus plan for education business?


 



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