SMEs want ‘freedom’ at the end of August

 

SMEs, hard-hit by lockdowns with bosses unable to sustain overheads, are hoping that all sectors will be allowed to operate by the end of August.

PETALING JAYA: Small and medium companies are urging Putrajaya to reopen all business sectors by the end of August, with effective SOPs for those under home quarantine and interstate crossing to curb the surge.

SME Association president Michael Kang said the association has proposed to the government to use hi-tech devices for those under home quarantine.

“The device should be able to track movement and oxygen levels,” he said, adding that this is one way to ensure that people do not breach quarantine rules.

It would also reduce brought-in-dead (BID) numbers, he added.

The government has allowed those under category 1 and 2 to be home quarantined but experts warn that this may cause a surge in BID. Yesterday, a record high of 360 deaths were reported.

As for interstate crossing, the association is hoping a test will be carried out before any individual is allowed to cross borders.

“This will ensure cases do not spread to other states, causing businesses to close again,” he said.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced that married couples staying apart will be allowed to travel to meet each other, including those from Phase 1 (currently under lockdown). Dine-ins are allowed in states under Phase 2 and beyond.

Kang said effective SOPs will be crucial for infections to drop and businesses to reopen.

He said Malaysia has been under one of the longest lockdowns, affecting businesses especially in the Klang Valley, which is the heartbeat of the nation’s economy.

“Businesses want a balance between lives and livelihood and this can be achieved through effective SOPs,” he said.

Kang had on numerous times warned the government that businesses can no longer sustain and are on the brink of collapse. He said massive layoffs and wage cuts would continue as bosses are unable to sustain overheads.

He urged the government to allow all sectors to reopen by the end of August when, according to Putrajaya, 50% of the population would be vaccinated.

“We understand that those fully vaccinated can be infected again. But with proper SOPs, and if everyone wears face masks and sanitises their hands, businesses can reopen,” he said.

Economist Yeah Kim Leng said the government may still be deliberating on opening the economy as the country continued to report around 20,000 cases daily.

“Further relaxations may lead to another surge. What is crucial is to know the shortcomings and overcome them,” he added.

Yeah said the government was still unable to tackle workplace clusters, especially among foreign workers. Workplace clusters have been said to be one of the main reasons for the surge in Covid-19 cases. - FMT