Matta: Extend loan moratorium, wage subsidy

PLEASE extend the loan moratorium or the local travel industry will suffer further, said the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta).

In his Budget 2021 wish list, Matta president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the loan moratorium should be extended until at least June next year to allow the travel industry to revive its fortunes.

“Many businesses and individuals will suffer if the moratorium is not extended. They may end up declaring bankruptcy.

“The government must make a firm decision on this. Instruct banks and other financial institutions to extend the moratorium period to help the economy as a whole,” he said.

Importance of job protection

Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz is scheduled to table Budget 2021 on Nov 6. Experts have said the budget will include measures to revive the economy, which is ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To date, the government had announced six stimulus packages, amounting to over RM300 bil to keep the nation going while doing its best to keep the pandemic in check.

Tan said the tourism economy is fragile now and is looking for ways to get back on its feet via measures in Budget 2021.

He added the government should also focus on protecting jobs and businesses through a more effective wage subsidy programme.

“We urge the government to act decisively on the matter, through Budget 2021, to bolster a floundering Malaysian tourism industry during this time of economic adversity,” said Tan. – Oct 29, 2020

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