CORONAVIRUS| The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Hua Zong) has called on the government to provide more stay-at-home assistance ahead of the government's plan to announce an expanded stimulus plan on March 30 to cope with the economic fallout from the Covid-19 outbreak.
"It is only appropriate and necessary that the government must take further measures to assist the people, so as to ease their financial burden during this tough and challenging situation,” Hua Zong president Goh Tian Chuan said in a statement.
Goh said Hua Zong had received several proposals from its affiliate members on how to cope with the movement control order (MCO), which requires non-essential businesses to shut down while people are discouraged from leaving home except for pressing reasons.
He proposed that the government should further increase the electricity discount of two percent.
Furthermore, he said hardcore poor families who are already receiving an electricity subsidy of RM40 should be given more subsidy or exempted from paying.
Goh (above) also suggested that the government lower the price of cooking gas and water charges.
He added that the government can consider a discount to the residential assessment rate whereby those in the low to medium income group can receive between six to 12 months exemption.
He said those living in public housing should also have their rent waived.
Goh said reliable internet connectivity during this period is also essential.
He said the government should also ensure that it is monitoring vulnerable groups at home from time to time to ensure that they have sufficient food.
On top of increasing public awareness on Covid-19, he said the government also needs to ensure sufficient mask supply at reasonable prices.
The MCO came into force on March 18. It will last until March 31 but could be extended.
The partial lockdown is aimed at slowing the spread of Covid-19.
As of noon yesterday, there have been 1,518 confirmed cases in Malaysia with 14 deaths. - Mkini
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