JOHOR BARU: Local businesses have been told to focus on online platforms and cut down on expenditure to help them cope with a stricter version of the movement control order.
Johor Malay Non-governmental Organisations Coalition Council president Zaini Atan (pic) said business owners were told to reduce spending on stock and focus on online in preparation for a stricter MCO 3.0.
“We have advised them to find alternative ways, such as using online platforms to sustain their business.
“While we welcome a stricter MCO to stop the spread of the virus, we also urge the government to help businesses by providing assistance and calling for an automatic loan moratorium, ” he told reporters on Friday.
The National Security Council (NSC) had said on Friday that it would impose more restrictions on economic and social sectors under MCO 3.0.
Zaini, whose group represents some 139 Malay NGOs in the state, said about 50% to 60% of businesses had shut down after the second MCO.
“We believe that even more will close during MCO 3.0.
“We appeal to the government to help the people by allowing them to earn a living in such a tough economic environment, ” he said.
Malaysia Federation of Hawkers and Petty Traders Associations president Datuk Yow Boon Choon said businesses were focusing on online platforms to survive.
“However, not all businesses can go online, especially those selling food and wet goods, ” he said.
Johor Indian Business Association president P. Sivakumar also urged for another round of moratorium.
“The government must provide a six-month automatic loan moratorium as businesses that are still able to operate now are barely surviving, ” he said.
