MANY would expect the manufacturing and small medium enterprises (SME) fraternity to oppose the recent imposition of the conditional movement control order (CMCO) which culminated in confusion of sorts surrounding the work-from-home policy.
But alas, it is music to the ears when leaders of both business groups openly expressed willingness to adhere to the government’s latest directive.
“We support the government’s move to institute stricter movement control to minimise the spread of COVID-19, before it batters public health and the economy further.
“And we will do our part to facilitate the work from home directive by the government,” Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai told FocusM.
Three days ago, Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that management and supervisory staff will be required to work from home, effective yesterday (Oct 22).
This is due to a spike in COVID-19 cases nationwide with infection rate hitting three digits daily.
Soh went on to thank the government for allowing some flexibility in the work from home arrangement, by allowing staff to come to their workplace three days a week, with a maximum of four hours per day.
He added the flexibility will allow business operations to run smoothly and ensure continuity in production and services.
“Not every company will have the same level of preparedness which would enable their non-production staff to work from home.
“The employer will be in the best position to make such decision,” said Soh.
On how the latest move will affect businesses, Soh said the directive will impose some hurdles in terms of the ability to support operations, thus affecting productivity and profitability.
“Therefore, I urge the government to continue with the wage subsidy programme. An extension to the loan moratorium will also help affected companies to survive during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.
Retailers need help
SME Association of Malaysia president Datuk Michael Kang also echoed Soh’s sentiments and supported the government’s directive.
“We have to adapt. Besides, only management and supervisors are required to work from home.
“Yes, it will affect productivity and operations to some extent but we cannot sacrifice public health,” he said.
He added the government should look into ways on how to help retailers as they will be most affected by the rise in COVID-19 cases.
“A lot of retail outlets, especially in shopping malls, are going to have a challenge to follow the directive. Plus, people are also afraid to visit malls due to the pandemic,” added Kang. – Oct 23, 2020
