Give tenants 50% discount on rent, says consumer group

Shopping mall operators say they need help from the government.

PETALING JAYA: A consumer group has urged the authorities to draw up clearer guidelines for landlords on collection of rent from tenants.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations president Marimuthu Nadason said houseowners had been given a 6 month moratorium on housing loans and landlords should extend the same benefit to tenants.

He called for “at least 50% discounts in rent for three months” because the people had to live in uncertain times.

He urged the government to make a clear stand on such policies instead of leaving it up to the goodwill of the landlord.

Marimuthu said many employers might announce job cuts once the movement control order is lifted.

Shopping malls need help

Garry Chua, president of the Malaysia Retail Chain Association said Mid Valley Megamall, EkoCheras and other shopping centres have started a fair rent scheme where retailers pay shopping malls according to their sales.

“They pay according to how much they make. Grocery outlets are making more, they can pay more while others are trying to restart their business after the MCO,” he told FMT.

But he said this needs to be extended to other shopping malls as some retailers have had no income.

He urged Tenaga Nasional Berhad to give further discounts for business users from the 15% already announced.

“Malls can in return give discounts to retailers and they will be able to survive during these crucial months,” he added.

He also called for a discount on assessment rates for at least six months.

“If shopping malls get help they can help retailers, some of whom pay as much as RM50,000 to RM300,000 a month in rent,” he said.

Social distancing rules over the next 6 months would give retailers an uphill task, he said, as fewer people would visit shopping malls. - FMT