KUCHING: The state government will unveil its very own economic stimulus package designed to assist those affected by the two-week movement control order (MCO) due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
“We call it ‘Economic Aid Package’ (EAP), and we will announce it on Monday,” Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg told a press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia yesterday.
The chief minister said the EAP will lighten the burden of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) affected “in this trying time”.
Asked if the finance departments of private companies that fall under the non-essential services could go to work as they need to pay the employees’ salary by end of the month, Abang Johari said they could but with a minimal working staff.
“Yes, they need to pay the workers’ salary. What employers can do is get their employees to go by shifts and keep duty staff to the minimum each time.
“They cannot do it like ordinary days. You mustn’t pack the office. It’s very important those on duty keep at least a meter distance from each other. That’s social distancing,” he said.
On the ensuring that the supply of face masks is sufficient, the chief minister said Sarawak will try to buy direct from China.
“There are masks donated by the China government to Sarawak, but they are still at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA),” he said, adding he believed if Sarawak imports directly from China, supply will be shipped straight to the state.
