By Sayantan Das
It feels surreal but believe it or not, almost a year has passed since our nation went into its first lockdown in March 2020.
Now, in 2021, MCO 2.0 is in effect to curb and curtail the alarming rise in numbers of those infected by COVID-19.
Approximately 200,000 cases and over 700 deaths have been recorded to date. While most agree that this lockdown is crucial in bringing the infection rate down, there’s no denying the devastating social and economic impact on Malaysians from all walks of life when prolonged closure of businesses result in job losses and salary cuts.
Before we could even stand, we were knocked back down by the recent floods adding to the mélange of catastrophes, ravaging lives and livelihoods.
As the economy dulls, more than a 100,000 people have lost their jobs as businesses close in reaction to the necessary steps combating the pandemic.
People, who have reduced or no income at all are struggling to feed their families. The situation is overwhelming, distressing and deeply upsetting.
The Government has offered a silver lining by coming forward to help the people deal with this unprecedented crisis almost immediately.
In announcing the Prihatin Rakyat stimulus package on Mar 27, 2020, the Prime Minister emphasized that “no one would be left behind.
More recently, Budget 2021 themed “Stand United, We Shall Prevail”, with the allocation of RM322.5 bil expenditure to revive the economy and help Malaysians weather the COVID-19 pandemic was announced.
While the Government’s intentions are commendable, it is also up to us, the people, to rise up and extend each other a helping hand.
Cooperation and understanding
The COVID 19 situation is equally challenging to all of us here at foodpanda. As businesses scramble to go digital, our core operation was already based on a digital platform from the beginning to it was easier for businesses like us to pivot to a fully digital strategy.
Despite several setbacks, we as a business ensured that the safety of our riders was paramount, as should other parcel or food delivery businesses.
The company is also backed with contingencies for the sake of the riders. For example, if in the event that a rider tests positive for COVID-19, they will receive an additional RM1,000 from this fund to ease their burden.
If a rider feels unwell, employers should encourage them to stay home until the symptoms subside. It is important for employers to have a decent support structure that will see the employees through their recovery and well-being.
Deeply concerning is the winding up of so many micro business which is inevitable as operating capital needed to keep their businesses buoyant, runs out.
We are definitely on the losing end as Malaysians if we do not have these gems to delight us in the future.
Helping each other
As before, during the lockdown period, only pick-up and delivery services are allowed to operate, but there’s no denying that incomes have reduced, and spending habits follow suit with the tightening of purse strings.
Malaysians are now resorting to deals that are the best value for money, which we try to accommodate as well.
foodpanda is investing more than RM12 mil into running various promotions to provide more savings for customers while making it easier for them to support local businesses through these difficult times.
It is advisable for other companies and businesses, regardless of the industry, to do the same as it will greatly help to ease the burdens of the consumers, as they are the ones that are keeping businesses running.
We can get through this together by simply looking out for each other. – Feb 11, 2021
Sayantan Das is the managing director of foodpanda Malaysia
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
