KUCHING: Dewan Ekonomi Melayu Sarawak (Dekoms) is calling on the state government to consider providing a special relief fund to help small business entrepreneurs affected by the movement control order declared by Putrajaya recently.
In a statement issued by its president Bujang Boji Sitam, the funds could help small entrepreneurs who rely solely on business to support their livelihood.
“We (Dekoms) had received a lot of feedbacks and concerns from many hawkers and traders, especially those operating restaurants; and food and beverage outlets; which would be adversely affected once the order goes into effect.
“The order may also be extended if the Covid-19 outbreak worsens and this will undoubtedly affect many other business sectors,” he said.
Bujang recommended the fund to be channelled through institutions or legitimate business organisation registered under the Registrar of Societies (RoS), which would then distribute the assistance to registered members.
Ultimately, he said the state government would know the best mechanism to help local entrepreneurs.
Bujang was also well-pleased with the initiative taken by the federal government to provide RM600 for people with unpaid leave affected by the movement control order.
“We also welcome the decision of Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives which directed lending agencies to delay loan repayment for 6 months.
“The decision had at least given relief to small entrepreneurs whose source of income had been affected by the current Covid-19 outbreak,” he added.
