FMM In The News: THE STAR, PETALING JAYA, Friday, March 19, 2021: Manufacturers have lauded the government’s additional initiatives and incentives through the Pemerkasa economic stimulus package.

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said the measures would drive business recovery along with productivity and innovation.

“As companies have yet to return to their pre-Covid-19 level of performance and needed support to ensure business sustainability and job security of their employees, the industry most certainly welcomes the allocation of RM20bil under Pemerkasa with a fiscal injection of RM11bil by the government, ” he said.

Soh noted that the initiatives included FMM’s recent wish list which was conveyed to the government.

He also lauded the additional RM50mil allocation of smart automation grant for SMEs and mid-tier companies to enhance their operational and manufacturing effectiveness through digitalisation adoption.

“FMM reiterates its call to cover more industrial areas with faster and affordable high speed broadband (HSBB) and the implementation of the 5G infrastructure in all parts of the country.

“Many industries and businesses rely heavily on the Internet for their operations, and in supporting businesses to adopt the new norm brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, ” he added.

Soh also called for the extension of the effective period of the Temporary Measures for Reducing the Impact of Covid-19 Act 2020.

“FMM had previously requested for the Act to be expanded to provide provision for relief for manufacturing and other manufacturing-related services such as trading or distributorship and logistics.

“We hope it will be taken into consideration, ” he said.

Meanwhile, MCA Youth chief Datuk Nicole Wong has called on youths to take advantage of the incentives and grants offered in the Pemerkasa package.

“The initiatives aim to ensure that no one is left behind and that people of all walks of life will get some assistance, especially the B40 group, those who have lost their income and those who have filed for bankruptcy.

“People with disabilities are also not left behind as various incentives are provided to encourage them to venture into business.

“The youths who are the future of the country should play a more important role in the country’s economic recovery, especially in the field of e-commerce which is becoming increasingly popular following movement restrictions.

Wong called on all qualified Malaysians to take advantage of this opportunity and venture into business. “We must all play our part to help revive the country’s economy, ” she added.

Wong said MCA Youth also lauded the continuation of fuel subsidies worth RM3bil to help ease the burden of the people, especially in this challenging time where global oil prices were expected to continue to rise.

Malaysian Youth Council information chief Wan Mohd Husni Abdullah said the stimulus package was important ahead of the economic recovery and the national vaccination programme.

“It is an important boost for youths, especially in revitalising the national economy post-Covid-19.”