FMM In the News: THE STAR, PETALING JAYA (Tuesday, 31 March 2020): The government is meeting business associations to gather feedback on immediate issues to save and prevent the businesses from folding.

The meetings are with several business bodies representing large companies, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and petty traders to gather information. They were held via video conferencing calls, meant to seek solutions to the woes faced by entrepreneurs and businessmen.

These meetings would continue today with more business associations.

The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia’s (ACCCIM) president Tan Sri Ter Leong Yap told StarBiz that the meeting held yesterday went well and that three cabinet members were in attendance.

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They were Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong.

“A lot of members (of the ACCCIM) have voiced their frustrations of having a very tough time – no sales but operations overheads are still ongoing. They (the government) seem to be receptive of these issues, ” Ter said.

He said the discussion yesterday was focused mainly on the immediate issues to save and prevent the businesses from folding.

“It was very much focused on the cashflow issues which include immediate measures to prop up the SMEs. We discussed things that need quick fix – many SMEs need oxygen to survive. The government has listened and said they would do something about the situation.

“Covid-19 is unprecedented. We hope the movement control order (MCO) can end by April 14, but there is a possibility it may be extended, ” Ter said.

He said that even after the MCO is lifted, the economy wouldn’t recover immediately. For example, he said, people would by and large still not eat out after the MCO has ended.