Bite the bullet now and pray for quick recovery

WHILE rallying behind the need to impose a movement control order (MCO 2.0) tomorrow, the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) hopes the Government will spare some thoughts for our members and more than 30,000 workforces in the business events industry.

As it is, many industry players are already struggling to stay afloat, utilising various strategies to keep business going, including salary cuts, work from home arrangements, and taking unpaid leave, according to MACEOS president Francis Teo.

He expressed concern about how much longer industry players could sustain their business if business events continued to be barred.

“From past MCO experience, we are aware that this MCO could be extended beyond the two-week duration announced by the Prime Minister yesterday,” Teo pointed out.

“We seek the Government’s consideration to extend our proposed wage subsidy structure of 50% for employees with the inclusion of those earning RM6,000 and below to sustain non-essential industries’ operations and workforce during these trying times.”

Francis Teo

He also urged the Government to allow production crew in a dedicated studio to work and provide technical support when delivering virtual events in MCO areas while observing strict standard operating procedure (SOP).

At the same time, Teo reminded business events industry players and its members to be mindful of the National Security Council’s guidelines during the MCO.

Teo also recommended industry players, particularly venue operators which are well suited to handle large crowd systematically and safely, to play a role in the upcoming National Vaccination Plan by offering their venues as temporary vaccination sites when vaccines are available in Malaysia.

At the same time, he reminded business event industry players and its members to be mindful of the National Security Council’s guidelines during the MCO.

The same applies to industry players, particularly venue operators who are well-suited to handle large crowd systematically and safely, to play a role in the upcoming National Vaccination Plan by offering their venues as temporary vaccination sites when vaccines are available in Malaysia.

“Might as well bite the bullet now and enforce stricter control to flatten the curve,” he justified. “We hope that by doing this, we are all playing our part to enable the business events industry to recover sooner.” – Jan 12, 2021

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