JOHOR BARU – The government should consider providing assistance, including the deferment of business loan repayment to hawkers, traders and small-sized enterprise entrepreneurs, if a full-scale movement control order (MCO) is imposed.
Johor Federation of Malay Non-Governmental Organisations (Gabung) president Zaini Atan said it is estimated that more than 60% traders in the state will be forced to shut down their business due to loss of income if a full MCO comes into force.
Therefore, he hoped the government would listen to the plight of traders in the state to ensure to ensure their welfare and well-being remain protected in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I would like to ask the government to take a serious view on the matter, because about 50 to 60% (of hawkers, traders and small-sized enterprise entrepreneurs) were forced to close down their business due to the implementation of MCO 2.0.
“The number will continue to increase (if a full MCO is implemented), if assistance such as the moratorium is not given,” he told a press conference here today.
Zaini said that there are about 6,107 hawkers, traders and small-sized enterprise owners in the Johor Baru district alone.
According to him, most of them do not contribute to the Employees Provident Fund that would enable them to enjoy i-Sinar withdrawal benefits. – Bernama, May 21, 2021
