PONTIAN: The tabling of the revised Budget 2023 should prioritise assisting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to recover, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said SMEs contributed tremendously to the job market, providing for almost 65% of the workforce in the country.
However, he said there were still businesses that have not fully recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We hope the government can look into providing help to the SMEs, which is line with efforts to revive our economy in the aftermath of Covid-19.
“The business sector, including SMEs, face a severe challenge due to the new policies and amendments to the Employment Act.
“The sector is also facing a shortage of workers and it is one area that needs quick remedial action so that SMEs can continue to survive,” he added.
He said this when met by reporters after attending the Chinese New Year Open House organised by Tanjung Piai MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng at Dewan Tunku Ibrahim Ismail, Pekan Nanas, here yesterday.
Dr Wee, who is also Ayer Hitam MP, said the party had prepared a memorandum to be given to the government next week, which includes proposals from SMEs themselves on how to make the sector more vibrant.
Dr Wee added that the memorandum also contained a proposal on improving the income and welfare of the rakyat.
“There are a lot of things that we hope will be discussed in the coming parliamentary session which begins on Feb 13.
“I also hope that the government can look into addressing the egg shortage in the country, as we are nearing the fasting month and Hari Raya Aidilfitri,” he said.
On Jan 24, Dr Wee said that a memorandum related to Budget 2023 would be handed to the Prime Minister with the main subject matters involving the economy, SMEs and education.
The revised Budget 2023 is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament on Feb 24.
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