CORONAVIRUS | Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has called on the government to intervene as there are some landlords, despite a moratorium on property loans, are pressuring cash-strapped tenants to pay up on rentals during the movement control order (MCO) period.
"Umno Youth received many complaints from tenants about being pressured by landlords to settle their monthly rental even though the government has ordered a moratorium on house loan repayments to the banks.
"This situation is regrettable and shows a lack of kindness and empathy at a time when many have lost their source of income during the MCO period," he said in a statement today.
Asyraf (photo) expressed concern if the matter is not addressed, many families may be made homeless.
"This requires immediate intervention from the government to introduce rules and laws that can protect the rights of both tenants and landlords, as has been done in many countries," he said.
He also urged landlords to use their prerogative and empathise with the troubles being faced by their tenants by postponing rental payments until after the MCO.
In Singapore, the government provided property tax rebates to property owners but later found that landlords did not pass on the tax rebates to their tenants.
It subsequently introduced a law to compel landlords to pass on the property tax rebates.
Malaysia has been under a partial lockdown since March 18.
Under the MCO, all non-essential businesses and services were ordered closed and people cannot leave their homes except for approved reasons, such as buying groceries within a 10km radius.
The move, aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19, has brought a large part of the country's economy to a standstill.
As of noon yesterday, Malaysia recorded 5,389 Covid-19 cases with 89 deaths.
Of those infected, 3,197 have recovered while another 2,103 are being treated.
The MCO is scheduled to end on April 28 if it is not extended for the third time. - Mkini
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