KUCHING: The government has been asked to temporarily waive the requirement for submitting renewed licences or permits for businesses and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) hoping to apply for government loans and facilities.
Kuching Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCGCCI) secretary-general Jonathan Chai Voon Tok made the call yesterday.
He said this should be on the condition that the applicant had to produce the requisite documents for verification within a timeframe after the movement control order (MCO) period.
“While we understand the intentions of our government to shut down most of the civil service to avoid contact during this crucial time, such social distancing measures should also be reciprocated with some practical solutions to certain problems encountered by the public,” he said when contacted yesterday.
“Making such an exception is a pragmatic approach to solve the problem in this extraordinary circumstance,” said Chai.
He pointed out that a similar exception had been made for those with expired driving licences; they were allowed to drive throughout the MCO provided their vehicle possessed valid insurance coverage and that they renewed their licences within 30 days after the MCO was over.
He pointed out that some members of the public were hoping that Inland Revenue Board (IRB) would be allowed to operate, even on a reduced scale, throughout the MCO period to enable enterprises and SMEs to renew their licences which had expired during the MCO, thereby allowing them to apply for government loans and facilities.
Chai also suggested that the IRB should put a portal in place for the public to renew their licences and permits online.
Doing so would prevent crowds of applicants flocking to IRB offices when they opened and increasing the risk of Covid-19 transmission.
“If this does not work, then the government should allow the relevant department to operate at a reduced scale or minimal level to provide the necessary convenience to the public,” he said.
