Stimulus package must help both employers and employees, says Lee Lam Thye

PETALING JAYA: The Government's comprehensive stimulus package must help employers stay afloat and avoid retrenchment of employees, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic).

"At this critical juncture, it should be the Government's responsibility to help employers by introducing measures to help them remain in business and the employees continue to remain employed," he said in a statement Thursday (March 26).

Lee, who is chairman of the Alliance For Safe Community, added the government, employers and employees must work together to reach a win-win situation in order to prevent any retrenchment exercise.

"It is important for employers to be assisted to encourage them to keep their staff during this very crucial period," he said.

He added that the stimulus package must also be people-friendly, particularly in helping those in the B40 group and directly affected by the extend movement control order (CMO).

"It is hoped that the Government will provide a one-off cash payment to the most badly-affected group to tide them over this difficult period," he added.

He noted that further allocation should be given to strengthen the health service including ensuring proper personal protective equipment to all frontliners, including garbage collectors.

On Feb 20, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced a RM20bil stimulus package in light of the economic impact of Covid-19 coronavirus.

On Wednesday (March 25), Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the government would be announcing a more "comprehensive stimulus package" to benefit all Malaysians.