Perak should table additional stimulus package, says DAP rep

The Perak government should table an additional stimulus package to combat the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, urged DAP Youth chief Howard Lee.

In a media statement today, the Pasir Pinji assemblyperson stated this among three suggestions for the state government to consider in helping the people in the state to weather the pandemic.

Lee said in relation to the federal government’s allocation of RM130 million to the state in the RM250 billion stimulus package announced by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, it was not revealed how the allocation would be breakdown and distribution.

He noted that state government agencies need to hold discussions in the best way possible so that only important matters be dealt with from the allocation.

“I urge for an additional stimulus package be tabled by the state government, in line with discussion with all stakeholders in accordance to portfolio (held by state excos).

“In terms of how far the additional budget for stimulus at the state level can be provided, what breakdown and distribution, if possible this should be debated at the state legislature,” said the former state exco member for youth and sports development.

Lee said the other suggestion is for the Perak state government to expedite the conduct of an in-depth and comprehensive economic impact analysis over the effect of the Movement Control Order (MCO) and Covid-19 on the state economy.

“The study needs to give a picture and forecast (perangkaan) on the impact if the MCO ends as announced which is 28 days, and also a scenario of 36 days or 56 days (if there is a further extension of MCO period), in accordance to the biggest economic sector in the state,” he added.

Lee said the study need to focus on the 15 main sectors that contribute the most to the Perak state economy

“We need to know how many people in Perak can potentially lose their jobs, how many jobs may be wound up (gulung tikar), and we need a transparent and honest projection so that we can prepare a plan and a solution,” he said.

In regards to the third suggestion, Lee said each state exco member must immediately conduct meetings with relevant stakeholders to further discuss on the need, type, and method of channelling stimulus assistance to each relevant economic sector.

He then cited his experience as then exco member, where he said meetings are held with sports associations, sport industry players, sport equipment distributor, sport activity sponsors and other stakeholders, even if long-distance via modern wireless communication technology. - Mkini