THERE is surely a mixed opinion levelled at the recently rolled out Perlindungan Ekonomi dan Rakyat Malaysia (PERMAI) fiscal stimulus.
The Government’s RM15 bil fifth economic stimulus package covers three aspects: combating the COVID-19 outbreak, safeguarding the welfare of the rakyat and supporting the business community.
While some say the quantum is insufficient to tide Malaysian households/businesses over during the current state of financial hardship, RAMSSOL group’s managing director and CEO Cllement Tan viewed PERMAI as a welcomed relief, especially for low-income households and affected businesses, particularly the small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
As an established SME player, RAMSSOL Group – which offers innovative solutions in the field of human capital management for a multitude of organisations across Southeast Asia – Tan believes PERMAI is timely as the assistance could help sustain businesses in the short term, especially SMEs and entrepreneurs in the movement control order (MCO 2.0) zones.
Initiatives such as the extension of the (loan) moratorium and the Wage Subsidy Programme covering 250,000 employers and 2.6 million employees will certainly provide financial support needed to retain current employment.
“We are a firm believer in advancing people through technology. The current situation we are in has forced us to be creative and innovative to continue operating,” Tan added.
“The various grants, loans and one-off payments available to SMEs will encourage businesses to ensure workforce stability, thereby gaining ground towards business sustainability.”
Based on previous stimulus packages, RAMSSOL group is confident that PERMAI will assist and protect the well-being of the business community and the rakyat as a whole.
In addition, PERMAI is a comprehensive set of initiatives by the Government that is applicable to multiple sectors, easily assisting Malaysia to grab and achieve different opportunities open to them during this MCO 2.0 period, Tan pointed out.
Prior to PERMAI, RM305 bil has already been allocated to the funding of stimulus packages and economic recovery plans in 2020 (namely, PRIHATIN, PRIHATIN SME+, PENJANA and KITA PRIHATIN) in addition to the various COVID-19 measures under Budget 2021.– Jan 24, 2021
