Aid sought for Malaysian artistes affected by Covid-19 pandemic

Persatuan Karyawan Malaysia is hoping there will be some sort of assistance from the government to the working people in the entertainment industry as their livelihood has been put on hold. Photo: Stock image from Pexels.com

Persatuan Karyawan Malaysia hopes there will be some form of assistance from the government for the working people in the entertainment industry, as their livelihood has been put on hold due to the spread of Covid-19.

Freedie Fernandez hopes the government will be looking into providing some financial aid for artistes. Photo: Filepic

President of Karyawan, Datuk Freddie Fernandez, issued a press statement applauding the move taken by the government to contain the worrying situation, while highlighting the plight of certain artistes, especially those who work at premises like clubs, restaurants and hotel..

He said: "We hope the government could work out a compensation package for out-of-work artistes, similar to what has been offered to workers who have been forced to take leave without pay, which is a government aid package of RM600 per month per individual for as long as the premises remain closed.

"This assistance will be timely as it will help them meet their costs of living and continue with their lives, at least on a moderate basis."

He concluded: “We hope the government will give full consideration to our request to alleviate the suffering faced by our artistes in these difficult times."