Malaysia’s SME Association urges decisive measures to tackle pandemic

It proposed a one-month state of emergency where all economic activities are halted, while essential services continue to operate at 50% capacity.
By: | June 16, 2021
Topics: Health and Wellness | Malaysia | News

The SME Association of Malaysia has urged the government to take decisive measures in tackling the pandemic. 

The extension of the movement control order (MCO) 3.0 will continue to affect businesses and dampen the economy, said President Michael Kang Hua Keong. 

“The imposition of multiple lockdowns to curb COVID-19 has caused great distress and desperation for the people and businesses,” he said in a statement. 

“The government needs to pay attention to the real problem faced and strike a balance between lives and livelihoods,” he added. 

Kang proposed that the government declare a state of emergency for one month where all economic activities are halted, including the manufacturing sector, while essential services like the agriculture sector and food supply chain are allowed to operate at 50% capacity.

READ: Malaysian companies must shoulder additional costs for vaccination

On Tuesday, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin unveiled a four-phase plan to ease out of current restrictions. The National Recovery Plan projects that the country might gradually open up its economy, social sectors and Parliament from September onwards. 

Malaysia is currently undergoing its third nationwide lockdown to control the spread of COVID-19.