Besides Pemulih, other measures needed as well
KUCHING: The National People’s Wellbeing and Economic Recovery Package (Pemulih) will benefit many individuals and economic sectors during the Covid-19 movement control order (MCO) 3.0, says Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok. The Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Sheda), Kuching chairman opined that several measures must be implemented along with Pemulih in order to restore […]
Device economic recovery plan ASAP
KUCHING:A notable economic analyst said the Sarawak government must assist individuals who have been significantly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic as well as developing a post-pandemic economic plan as soon as possible. Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) Sarawak commissioner Associate Prof Datuk Dr Madeline Berma highlighted that several aids were essential to be given during this […]
Association welcomes economic aid but wants more done
KUCHING: The country’s latest economic recovery package, called Pemulih, will have limited impact in assisting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with only RM5.1 billion allocated for the group, said SME Association of Sarawak. Having said that, the association welcomed the assistance despite it being only a temporary relief for SMEs, while most of the aid […]
Federation welcomes latest economic recovery package
KUCHING: The Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) believes that measures under the newly announced National People’s Wellbeing and Economic Recovery Package (Pemulih) will help businesses and the public to cope with financial difficulties during this trying time. SBF secretary-general Jonathan Chai said SBF welcomed the RM150 billion Pemulih package unveiled by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin […]
Never-say-die attitude keeps ‘em going
KUCHING: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and micro-traders – especially new businesses which are categorised as non-essential service – that are compelled to stop operations throughout the implementation of the movement control order (MCO) are taking the brunt of the strict standard operating procedures (SOPs), having to bear huge losses. Most of them expressed frustration […]
When the going gets tough, Amalia gets going
Some small business owners are staying afloat during the Covid-19 pandemic by adapting themselves and innovating their products in alignment with the current circumstances. Read how online boutique owner Amalia Afifiyati Iman Sholeh manages to do so. The Covid-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions have left few economic sectors untouched, negatively impacting almost every industry […]
Three proposed measures to help M40 group
KUCHING: Malaysian Academy of Science Fellow, Datuk Dr Madeline Berma, has outlined three measures to help the M40 group so that they do not fall into the B40 category, or the B40 group falling into hardcore poor. According to her, the main thing needed was to control and eradicate Covid-19 infection. “The first step is […]
Ensuring initiatives benefit small businesses
KUCHING: The state government through the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development (Mintred) will continue to review the effectiveness of all measures implemented under the six Sarawakku Sayang Special Aid (BKSS) packages including those for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Mintred Assistant Minister Datuk Mohd […]
Engineering students learn from the best
MIRI: Mechanical engineering students of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently attended two online industrial talks by engineering managers from Schneider Electric Industries SAS, a global specialist in energy management and automation with operations in more than 100 countries. Together with students and academic staff from other engineering disciplines, they also participated in a virtual […]
Pemerkasa Plus incentives temporary relief, says economic analyst
KUCHING: The measures implemented under the recently announced Pemerkasa Plus stimulus package will help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and businesses to weather the economic storm and provide short-term relief, said Fellow at Academy of Sciences Malaysia Datuk Dr Madeline Berma. The economic analyst said the measures, such as wage subsidies, loan moratoriums, cash handouts, and financial facilities, would help SMEs and businesses sustain themselves and stay afloat, as well as retain their workers. “The one-off financial support targeted at tour guides, taxi drivers, school bus drivers, and e-hailing drivers will help those who are affected heavily by the lockdown,” she said. Nevertheless, she pointed out that these financial supports would only provide temporary relief, not long-term solutions. At the same time, she said the government should adopt a targeted approach and provide support to those in the M40 category whose businesses had to close down during lockdown, including spa operators, clothing stores, and dine-in restaurants. “The Malaysian economy is on the road to recovery, but the pace is slow,” said Madeline. She said the numerous stimulus packages provided since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic had put a heavy strain on the government’s financial situation. “There is still a relatively high unemployment rate and the tourism sector is still experiencing an acute downturn,” she said.
