Bursa board, top management to give part of salaries to Covid-19 fund

KUALA LUMPUR – Bursa Malaysia Bhd will contribute to the National Disaster Relief Trust Fund under the Finance Ministry to channel aid to disaster victims and cover expenses related to frontliners’ efforts in the fight against Covid-19.

It said members of the exchange’s board and top management, including heads of divisions and departments, will voluntarily contribute between 10% and 20% of their salaries for three months beginning this month.

Bursa Malaysia has also pledged to match one-for-one the total amount contributed towards the fund to help maximise the fundraising effort.

In a statement today, chief executive officer Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift said the exchange is in a fortunate position of being able to contribute to the national emergency.

“The outbreak, lockdowns and business closures have left many people far more vulnerable than ever before and with inadequate financial support amid the ongoing struggle with the pandemic.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, we hope this small contribution can play its part in helping towards the relief efforts,” he said.

On another note, the exchange said through Yayasan Bursa Malaysia, more than RM3.1 million has been contributed and pledged towards community-focused projects in areas impacted by the pandemic.

These efforts include enhancing healthcare capacity, providing sustenance for lower-income communities, as well as supporting upskilling and reskilling programmes for the disproportionately affected bottom 40% (B40) income group.

“To enable schoolchildren to do home-learning, contributions have been made for the provision of devices and connectivity. Contributions have also been given to provide aid and sustenance to endangered animals,” it said.

Meanwhile, Bursa Malaysia has also proactively undertake various Covid-19 relief measures to facilitate the needed flexibilities and assistance to its listed issuers, market participants and the wider community since March last year.

“This includes various market control and relief measures to alleviate challenges surrounding the recovery of businesses and other market participants.” – Bernama, June 15, 2021