KUCHING: Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii welcomes the RM250 billion economic stimulus package announced by the Federal government to assist Malaysians affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The DAP parliamentarian said the package covered many different spheres and areas of need, especially direct injection to the poor and the M40 to get through the tough times.
“Indeed, this is a time to put aside politics as we face an unseen enemy and possible ‘war-time’ economic effects the country has never been through before,” he said.
He pointed out however that the amount consisted of only about RM25 billion in fiscal injection, which he said was insufficient to deal with the economic ordeal that we the country was facing, while the rest included loan moratorium, government guarantees for additional loans taken up, GLC Capex, Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Private Retirement Scheme (PRS) withdrawals.
“We need to help take care and incentivise the employers especially the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which actually provide a huge chunk of employment in our market today,” he said.
He said employment was important to make sure domestic market remained vibrant and people still have the chance to put food on the table.
“So, I personally believe that more help be given to incentivise employers to retain jobs during these tough times and even suffer loss of sales during the movement control order period.
On the assistance allocated for healthcare, Yii praised the government for injecting an additional RM1 billion to the health ministry on top of the RM500 million previously announced while assistance would be sought from private hospitals.
“Special allowances of RM400 to RM600 per month for doctors, nurses and health workers who are on the front line is to show our appreciation to our frontliners who risk not just their own lives but the lives of their families just to make sure we are properly treated, cared for and protected,” said Yii, who was himself treated for the disease.
He hoped the Health Ministry would use the allocation to increase its capacity as well as purchase essential equipments including protective gears for health workers.
“I also hope that government will go one step further and resolve the contract issues of our healthcare workers and allow them permanent placement as a sign of appreciation for all their sacrifices and hard work. Many of them were on the frontlines battling this pandemic as well,” he said.
