(front row, from left) The Malaysia Entrepreneurs Development Association (PUMM) Johor liaison chairman Datuk Seri Chang Yin Siang, PUMM national deputy president Nelson Beh and Malaysia Role Model Enterprise Awards 2022 organising chairman Terry Tan at the press conference at the Southern Chinese Newspaper clubhouse, Johor Baru.
JOHOR BARU: Having a stable government is crucial for the country’s economy to recover, especially for SMEs that are struggling to survive following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Malaysia Entrepreneurs Development Association (PUMM) national deputy president Nelson Beh said businesses are directly affected if government policies are always changing, which will also deter investment from coming into the country.
“We need a stable government to run the country and clashes of policies between the state and Federal governments would not help.
“Most businesses right now are in standby mode due to the looming election and waiting for any new changes that might happen once it is over,” he said when met at the Southern Chinese Newspaper clubhouse here on Wednesday (Sept 28).
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Frequent changes in policies will affect plans for business expansion and development as it will cause financial strain, especially on SMEs, he said.
“The most important issue that the government should focus on right now is the shortage of manpower in the country, especially skilled labour.
“The pandemic has changed the way people want to work, with the majority wanting to operate online businesses, or even work part-time,” he said, adding that it is difficult to find and train skilled manpower.
The coming Budget 2023 should also focus on helping SMEs recover by providing financial assistance through loans or grants, besides introducing a reasonable level of taxation.
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Beh also said the association will be holding the Malaysia Role Model Enterprise Awards 2022 on Jan 7, and the closing date for submissions is Nov 15.
“The award was previously known as the Malaysia Top 50 Enterprise Awards and is held once every four years.
“Johor has many hidden gems and we hope that we can get more participants so that we can expand our local businesses,” he added.
