Don't wait till July, act now to solve Covid-19 problems - PKR rep

CORONAVIRUS | Putrajaya must act now to deal with problems faced by citizens instead of waiting until July to table the Covid-19 bill, said a Penang PKR leader.

Kebun Bunga assemblyperson Jason Ong Khan Lee (above) said matters are almost at a "boiling point" as citizens affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and movement control order (MCO) are being issued with eviction and demand notices.

He urged for an immediate government intervention especially in matters related to arrears of rental, interests imposed for late payments, penalties for premature termination and eviction.

"Please act now to safeguard those affected by the MCO as this is an unforeseen circumstance, a supervening event beyond the control of the parties, that has immobilised the whole market," Ong said in a statement.

He described the situation as "urgent" and said the federal government must act now instead of waiting for Parliament to convene in July. 

Ong was responding to the upcoming Covid-19 bill which will be tabled in Parliament next month.

The bill will likely address issues particularly on outstanding rentals, early termination of tenancy due to MCO and outstanding debts. 

So far, it is learnt that a total of 31 ministries, departments and agencies have submitted proposals for inclusion in the Bill on Implementation of the Interim Measures to Reduce the Effect of Covid-19.

Bernama previously quoted Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) Takiyuddin Hassan as saying that all the information and recommendations obtained would be analysed by the task force in the Legal Affairs Division, Prime Minister's Department and refined by the relevant ministries. 

“As of June 5, 331 proposals including 35 written submissions had been received via the link and e-mail provided," Takiyuddin (photo) had said.

Ong pointed out that focus must be on petty traders who rent from large companies that manage malls.

"I received many complaints as they have sought my advice as a lawyer and people’s representative.

"These aggrieved parties, without equal bargaining power, expect me to mediate between the mall owners and the tenants - something that can only be achieved with the government's support," he added.

Ong said the government should realise that these problems will eventually end up on its own plate.

"It will happen when tenants become bankrupt, jobless, are evicted or sued by the owners for defaulting payments.

"As a consequence, the government will still have to look into the welfare of these people and their families. Prevention is better than cure," he said.

Ong urged Putrajaya to immediately intervene so that rentals during the MCO/conditional MCO period can be waived.

"They should not allow the imposing of penalty for premature termination by affected tenants and to stop owners from evicting their tenants.

"This situation should supersede any contract or agreement entered prior to the MCO," he added. - Mkini