SIBU: Sibu Businesswomen Association wants the federal government to provide a clearer picture following its decision to implement partial lockdown.
Its president Jamie Tiew Yen Houng, in a statement yesterday, said the directive by the federal government that the country was in “partial” lockdown had left many businesses in the lurch.
“This is because the directive is not specific enough, especially with regard to the issue of salaries and forced leave from employment,” she said.
As the president of the association, she said she was also very concerned about the welfare of employers and employees with respect to their financial flows.
“If the employer is to close business for two weeks, then how the “forced leave” of the employees would be classified in terms of labour law and salaries? More specific directives need to be put in place where this is concerned,” she said.
Furthermore, she said the government should direct the banks to suspend all instalment payments for at least as long as the lockdown was in place.
“How is the employer expected to pay the employees if he is unble to do business and how will each of them pay their respective loans and/or other commitments?,” she askd.
Jamie also pointed out another issue concerning the payment of tax whichwould be due next month for many.
“We urge the federal government to direct that a grace period of six months be given to all tax payers to pay their taxes and to submit their tax returns,” she added.
On the lockdown which was to break the chain of infections between individuals, she urged the public to adhere to it so as to ensure that the Covid-19 pandemic be not only reduced but totally contained like in China.
“Let us practise accountability towards each other. Self-isolate and only venture outdoors only in the situations as stated by the government,” she said.
