F&B companies plead for government help

Businesses in the hospitality, F&B and tourism sectors face a projected decline in revenue of more than 50%, said Hapa Group Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Jennifer Ong (pic).

PETALING JAYA: Thousands of food and beverage (F&B) companies in Malaysia are pleading for government relief and support as the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic has brought businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), down on their knees.

With the movement control order in place until March 31, businesses are facing diminished sales coupled with other costs, including ongoing obligations to pay rent, supply bills, wages and allowances, said an informal group of independent Malaysian F&B players.