MUKAH: Local businessmen have welcomed the RM150 billion National People’s Well-Being and Economic Recovery Package (Pemulih) announced by the federal government on Monday (June 28).
The aid package aims to provide comprehensive assistance to the people and focuses on continuing the people’s welfare agenda, supporting businesses and increasing vaccinations.
Repair workshop owner Raymund Tanin, in his fifties, thanked the government for helping small businesses.
He provides repair services for motorcycles, outboat engines, chainsaws, brush cutters and others.
He said since the movement control order (MCO) was reimposed a month ago, his business had not been doing well.
“I really appreciate the aid, especially Prihatin Special Grant (GKP) 4.0, which can help lessen my burden,” he told New Sarawak Tribune via WhatsApp yesterday (Tuesday).
Raymund, who is also a contractor, hoped that the Covid-19 pandemic would end soon.
He added he could not do any work now as the casting of lots for the appointment of contractors by the authorities was being withheld in line with the MCO.
“The aid is timely and will certainly benefit those currently facing financial constraints,” said Penghulu Henry Lee LiongIng, 68, the owner of a stationery shop.
Kapitan Kang Boon Eong, 55, who is involved in the service industry, also lauded the RM150 billion Pemulih package.
He said he really appreciated the Wage Subsidy Programme (PSU) 4.0 announced by the government.
“The aid is good for workers and is very meaningful although the amount may be small. It shows that the government really cares,” he said.
He urged those who had not registered for the Covid-19 vaccination to do so now so that the state could achieve herd immunity soon.
He added after the Covid-19 pandemic had ended, businesses would be able to resume as usual and the economy could recover, too.
On Monday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced the Pemulih package following the extension of the MCO for another two weeks from June 29 to July 12.
