Current Affairs

The Malaysian government is set to aid SMEs and artists during the coronavirus pandemic with efforts to help different industries generate more income. The list of initiatives include online concerts, bazaars and additional funding to ensure everyone remains financially stable during the COVID-19 crisis.

Launch of online Ramadan bazaars

The Selangor state government and the Ministry of Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur are set to join forces with Grab Malaysia, in a bid to take our beloved Ramadan bazaars online.

“We have taken the initiative to build a new entrepreneurial ecosystem by working with Grab Malaysia. “The E-Bazaar Ramadan Selangor Grab digital platform enables traders to earn during Ramadan and also gives Selangor folks the chance to buy their buka puasa dishes online,” said Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

With Selangor and the Federal Territory as the main outlet, Grab is actively engaging with other state councils on the possibility of taking local Ramadan bazaars online. Other businesses and sellers are also encouraged to tap into Grab’s resources.

Malaysian government to aid SMEs with additional funding

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has also announced additional initiatives for SMEs as part of the PRIHATIN economic stimulus package. This includes a special grant as much as RM3,000 for each micro company, which will benefit nearly 700,000 micro SMEs nationwide, along with the introduction of wage subsidies for companies that employ local workers earning RM4,000 or less.

The Malaysian government is also set to aid SMEs by abolishing the 2% interest rate for the Micro Credit Scheme amounting to RM500 million under Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN). The easy loan scheme for micro SMEs will also be extended to TEKUN Nasional with a maximum loan limit of RM10,000 per company at a 0% interest rate.

#MuzikDiRumah online streaming performances for artists

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has launched #MuzikDiRumah in a bid to encourage Malaysians to stay at home, by providing extra entertainment content during the Movement Control Order (MCO).

The MCMC is in partnership with over 300 Malaysian singers and musicians as well, including prominent local names such as Ayda Jebat, Zee Avi, Hazama, Dr Soo Wincci, Aizat Amdan, Datuk Jamal Abdillah and rock bands Hujan and Meet Uncle Hussain.

#MuzikDiRumah also acts as a much-needed job opportunity for the artistes, generating income for them and production crews involved as the MCO has effectively postponed or cancelled many of their events.

Efforts made by the Malaysian government to aid SMEs and artists should help ease the financial burden during this COVID-19 outbreak. Meanwhile, check out the post below if you’re looking for something to help brighten up your day.

Source: Malay Mail, New Straits Times, Vulcan Post

Entertainment

Laugh, Learn and Relate With These COVID-19 Parodies