STIMULUS PACKAGE
PUTRAJAYA: At a time when the nation is fighting the deadly Covid-19 pandemic and its effects on the people and the national economy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday announced a RM250 billion people-centric economic stimulus package for the benefit of the people, with a focal point of not leaving anyone behind.
More than half of the allocation, or almost RM128 billion, will be channelled to protect the people’s welfare, and ease their burden.
“You will all enjoy the benefits of the people-centric economic stimulus package. As I have mentioned, no group will be left out. No one will be left behind,” the prime minister said when presenting the stimulus package on live television.
Muhyiddin, who took over the country’s leadership on March 1, announced a one-off payment valued at RM10 billion for the M40 group and below, and the recipients include private-sector employees, Felda settlers, farmers, fishermen and petty traders.
The government’s priority at this point of time, Muhyiddin stressed, is to contain the pandemic and the stimulus package includes an additional allocation of RM1 billion to the Health Ministry for the purchase of equipment and also for services, this on top of a RM500 million allocation announced prior to this.
Those on the frontlines of the Covid-19 battle such as doctors, nurses and medical personnel will receive a special allowance of between RM400 and 600 from April 1.
Covid-19 patients from the B40 group are also entitled to compensation of RM50 daily.
Senior citizens, children in shelters, persons with disabilities, the homeless and the Orang Asal community are also not left out, with RM25 million allocated for food, healthcare and shelter.
The welfare of private-sector employees is also taken care of, and since the government does not want them to lose their jobs in these difficult times, a wage subsidy programme will be introduced to help employers retain their workers, this through a RM5.9 billion allocation expected to benefit 3.3 million people.
The government is also aware that the daily income of e-hailing drivers had been affected since the movement control order (MCO), from March 18 to April 14, was enforced and as such, 120,000 e-hailing drivers will be receiving a one-off payment of RM500 from an allocation of RM60 million.
Taxi drivers meanwhile will receive a one-off RM600 as announced before this.
Members of the Armed Forces, Immigration, Civil Defence Force and Rela directly involved in enforcing the MCO will also receive a RM200 special allowance starting April 1.
There was also good news for the 1.5 million civil servants of Grade 56 and below, including those working on a contract basis, who will receive a one-off RM500 payment next month, as with 850,000 pensioners.
Singles and students of institutes of higher education are also not left out and are to receive payments as well.
It is not just all cash aid, with rental waiver of the People’s Housing Project (PPR) residents now also extended to six months from one month announced before this.
The waiver includes school canteens, nurseries, cafeterias, convenience stores and others.
Loan repayments of the Skills Development Fund Corporation have been put on hold for six months, this in addition to the government’s initiative to defer National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan repayments as well.
There is also electricity bill discounts for commercial, industrial, agricultural sectors and residential homes in Peninsular Malaysia on April 1.
Realising the need and importance for internet access during the MCO, several packages have also been offered with the cooperation of telecommunication companies, including free internet access.
This package (People-Centric Economic Stimulus Package) is a manifestation of the government’s concern for welfare and well-being of the people,” Muhyiddin said, while directing the Finance Ministry to ensure the RM250-valued package is delivered to the people as soon as possible. – Bernama
