KUALA LUMPUR – Klang MP Charles Santiago has launched an online petition calling on the government to set up the Rental Relief Fund (RRF) for small and medium enterprises.
In a statement today, he said the petition on Change.org was jointly launched by his office and the RRF working group, and that it is a follow-up to his meeting with Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz last December.
“The RRF petition urges the government to establish (the fund) to enable SME recovery, job security, and a revival of the broader economy.”
In November, Deputy Finance Minister Mohd Shahar Abdullah said Putrajaya will not set up such a fund, as it has other means to assist SMEs affected by the economic downturn triggered by Covid-19.
He said Parliament in August approved the Temporary Measures for Reducing the Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Act 2020.
Despite this, said Santiago, about 20 business organisations from various industries have endorsed the RRF petition.
He said the petition urges the government to acknowledge the problems faced by SMEs, and take immediate action to protect lives and livelihoods.
The movement control order imposed twice – the first in March last year, and again in January – has led to significant business closures and job losses.
“I have consistently highlighted the rationale of this RRF initiative, as high operating costs (including rentals) cause SMEs to experience tight cash flow, which then challenges their very survival.
“The closure of businesses will have a catastrophic effect on the labour market, shatter the well-being of our society, and hinder the economy’s sustainability.” – The Vibes, March 16, 2021
