SIBU: The National Economic Recovery Plan (Penjana) announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Friday is for the welfare of the people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Penjana with the theme ‘Together Generate the Economy’ comprises 40 initiatives worth RM35 billion.
Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang said the government’s focus is to benefit the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) industry.
“The provision not only reduces losses during the Covid-19 period, but also provided the use of new business methods especially to encourage online trading (e-commerce),” he said when contacted on Saturday.
He said Penjana through the employment incentive also provided job opportunities for the unemployed to pursue training in private companies.
“For this purpose, incentives of RM800 and RM1,000 will be given for six months,” he said.
Gira also said that to boost the government’s economic growth, it also does not impose sales tax and stamp duty, especially in the real estate and housing and car sales sectors.
“To attract more foreign investors to invest in the country, the government has not imposed operating taxes in 10 to 15 years,” he added.
Meanwhile, a lecturer with Malaysia Co-operative College (MKM) Mohamad Suandi Mortadza said overall, the short-term economic package will drive the growth of the economy of Malaysia and Sarawak in particular.
He said it also encourages entrepreneurs to apply for business continuity financing which is the best way to stay focused on their business.
Similarly, he said the wage subsidy programme helps workers and at the same time, people are encouraged to spend in their own country to help SMEs.
“More importantly, entrepreneurs should take advantage of this package as much as possible and restructure their business model according to the new norm.
“In addition, the government agencies involved can monitor this economic package to reach the target group and none will be dropped.
“We also hope that after this short-term economy package there will be continuity after six months,” he added.
