Click here for the Press Release from National Security Council on Wednesday, 18 March 2020.
This includes an overview of certain services listed as Essential and Non – Essential which are allowed to operate during the Restricted Movement Order.
Published 18 March
Click here for the Press Release from the Ministry of Finance (MoF) on Thursday, 19 March 2020.
This includes information on the economic stimulus package to assist individuals and SMEs during the COVID – 19 situation.
Published 19 March
Click here for the Press Release from the Ministry of Plantation Industries & Commodities (MPI) on Thursday, 19 March 2020. This includes information on the flexibility of restrictions by the ministry during the COVID – 19 situation.
Published 19 March
Click here for the Press Release from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industy (MoA) on Thursday, 19 March 2020. FAQ on operations during the MCO and the COVID – 19 situation.
Published 19 March
The Federation of Malaysian Freight Forwarders has published a press statement on Logistics Services during the MCO period. Click here to read the press statement.
Published 24 March.
A couple of days ago we shared the media release of the Federation of Malaysian Freight Forwarders. Click here to see the response of the Ministry of Transport and here for the subsequent circular of FMFF to its members.
Published 25 March.
The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) circular to its members on Measures to Facilitate Import and Export Activities for Non-Essential Goods During Movement Control Order (MCO) Period: click here for the 26 March Advisory.
Published 27 March.
The Edge: The Edge interviews MDBC and MGCC, specifically to discuss the impact of MCO on global supply chains
Published 27 March
Permission for Company Human Resource / Finance Personnel to enter Workplace to process Payroll
Only on 31 March or 1 April.
Please click here for FMM’s Advisory that provides all the conditions.
Published 30 March.
Special measures to stop the spread of coronavirus in the Netherlands are to be extended until April 28 at least, prime minister Mark Rutte told a press conference on Tuesday.
Please click here to read the article.
Published 1 April.
MITI: Special Cabinet Committee
MITI has announced a special cabinet committee formed to bolster the stimulus package and strike a balance between economic priorities and effective enforcement of MCO due to COVID – 19.
Please click here to read the press release in English.
Please click here to read the press release in BM.
Published 2 April.
PM Announces Stimulus Package for SMEs
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today announced an additional allocation of RM10 billion in the Prihatin Package for SMEs (Additional Measures) to help ease the financial burden of the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
Click here to read the article.
Published 6 April
The Star: Employers can apply for wage subsidy programme online starting April 9
Employers who want to apply for the wage subsidy scheme targeted at small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can send in their applications to the Social Security Organisation (Socso) starting Thursday (April 9).
Please click here to read the article.
Published 9 April.
The Star: PRIHATIN Plus Stimulus Package
Some Frequently Asked Questions about the PRIHATIN Plus Stimulus Package.
Please click here for the article.
Published 9 April.
The Sun Daily: RM 682 m in SME financing approved by banks
Financial institutions have approved about 1,300 financing applications totalling RM682 million as under the three facilities of Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) Fund for SMEs, as at April 2.
Please click here for the article.
Published 9 April.
MDEC Partners Crowdfunding Operators Amid COVID – 19 Pandemic
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has entered into a partnership with seven crowdfunding operators to help entrepreneurs tide over the economic challenges brought on by the COVID – 19 onslaught. Entrepreneurs who wish to explore this alternative financing option may do so by submitting an expression of interest online. This drive will run from April 9-24 and MDEC will offer priority assessment to all applicants by expeditiously screening their eligibility before submitting the profiles to the applicants’ choice of ECF / P2P operator.
Please click here to read the article.
Published 10 April.
MCO – 3 & MORE BUSINESSES TO OPERATE
To bolster the economy post COVID – 19, the Ministry of International Trade & Industry (MITI) has announced that the government will allow an additional list of businesses to operate during the MCO, on top of the original list of essential manufacturing and services, on condition of strict adherence to health and safety guidelines because the health and safety of workers remains a top priority.
This will apply to (parts of) the following sectors: Automotive, Machinery & Equipment, Aerospace, and Construction; Services such as Science, Professional & Technical, and Social Health; and Retail such as Hardware, Electrical & Electronic, Optometrists, Barber, and Laundry shops.
Click here for MITI’s media release and full list of sectors in BM.
Click here for media release and full list of sectors in English.
Companies in the additional sectors allowed to operate can only start their operations AFTER approval is given by MITI. Applications will be available at the MITI website on Monday 13 April 2020, 09:00 hrs. Only complete applications that fulfill the conditions set will be processed. Here are some input on your preparations for submission.
More information available on the Facebook page: MITI Hotline Page for MCO
MITI also encourages companies that have already received approval (or are awaiting approval) from the previous application process to reapply via the new system. This is because the new approval comes with a QR code, which can be scanned by police at roadblocks.
For any (re)application by MDBC members, kindly inform MDBC () so that we can also keep track and support the applications of our members.
MDBC also has more information available on the new process and requirements for companies that already had approval, or are still in pending / appeal mode (either through MITI or other Ministries / bodies), please contact us by return ().
Published 12 April.
MDEC: Opportunities in Times of Crisis
Some of the key points highlighted in the article:
- Malaysia – renowned for its offshoring capabilities, placing within the Top 3 for AT Kearney’s Best Offshoring Locations, and being first choice as the preferred business continuity hub for the world – has now emerged as a more attractive alternative for these hard – hit economies – due to its qualities such as speed to response, competitive, resilient and matured digital infrastructure, and available workforce talent.
- This was further supported by The World Health Organization (WHO) who recently praised Malaysia for its preparedness and response in managing the COVID – 19 crisis. It even selected Malaysia as one of the countries to test the effectiveness of drugs used to treat afflicted patients, a testament to the country’s ability to conduct lab work and research.
Please click here to read the article.
Published 13 April.
MDBC: Special Message for MDBC Members
As a follow up to the “MCO – 3 & MORE BUSINESSES TO OPERATE” announcement, we have a special message for all MDBC members who:
a) As essential products or services in food, health, and medial supply chains, already received permission to operate during MCO – 1 and MCO – 2, and now need to re – apply to receive the QR code;
b) Are part of the new sectors on the additional list of businesses allowed to operate during the MCO, who are now applying for the first time.
Please get in contact with MDBC (via ) so that we can:
a) Support your application whenever possible in our lobbying and follow up with MITI;
b) Try to assist you with your application in case you have yet to get through on the new MITI portal (we have some hints and forms to prepare!).
Please click here for the FAQ news article as MITI addresses issues faced by various sectors during MCO.
Of course all applications and operations are on condition of strict adherence to health and safety guidelines because the health and safety of workers remains a top priority.
Published 15 April.
SC Unveils Measures to Support Listed Firms, ECF and P2P issuers
The Securities Commission has announced further reliefs for listed companies, especially those which are under Practice Note 17 (PN17) category.
The SC is also considering additional measures to facilitate greater access to funding for small and midcap companies, as well as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Please click here to read the article.
Published 17 April.
StanChart Commits US $1 bil to Help Firms Tackle COVID – 19
Standard Chartered says it will commit US$1 billion of financing for companies that provide goods and services to help the fight against COVID – 19. The amount is also for companies planning the switch into making products that are in high demand to fight the global pandemic.
Please click here to read the article.
Published 17 April.
Confusion over approval letters at roadblocks
There was confusion in the air as workers with approval letters from the first and second phases of the Movement Control Order (MCO) were turned away by the police during roadblocks and sent home. Their crime? Not having the approval letter from the third phase of the MCO, which contained a QR code.
Speaking to Enterprise, Malaysian Dutch Business Council (MDBC) executive director Marco Winter says the council received several calls from its members who were caught out by this issue. “Companies with approval letters from MCO 1 or MCO 2 had their workers stopped at roadblocks because the approval letter didn’t have the QR code, which is included in the new approval letters that are slowly being given out this week,” he says,
Please click here to read the article.
Published 17 April.
Helping hand to cope with COVID – 19, for SMEs
SMEs may benefit from three government facilities under the first economic stimulus package announced on Feb 27 – the Automation and Digitalisation Facility, Agrofood Facility and Micro Enterprises Facility – aside from the automatic six-month moratorium on financing announced by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).
Please click here to read the article.
Published 20 April.
MOT Media Statement: The Fourth Phase of Freight on Ports From April 20 – 23, 2020
Cargo release activities at major ports of the country continue with the implementation of the Fourth Phase which will commence on Monday, April 20, 2020 until Thursday, April 23, 2020, to ensure that activities at the port remain smooth and that capacity space is in place.
Please click here to read the statement in BM.
Please click here for the FMM summary in English.
Published 20 April.
FMM: Manufacturers ask govt to extend wage subsidy to all levels of employees
Local manufacturers want the government to extend the Wage Subsidy Programme (WSP) to all employees irrespective of their wage level, according to a survey conducted by the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) from April 6-10. The 419 respondents, comprising 89.5 per cent of manufacturing and manufacturing-related and support services companies, urged the government to remove sales/revenue reduction conditions and extend the wage subsidy to at least six months.
Please click here to read the report.
Published 21 April.
Government may introduce “soft landing” approach for exiting MCO
The government may introduce a “soft landing” approach when removing the movement control order (MCO), says the Health Ministry. Health Director General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said this would mean social distancing rules and bans on large gatherings were likely to continue for the rest of the year.
Please click here to read the article.
Published 21 April.
Travel Ban May Continue After MCO Lifted
The Health Ministry has hinted that travel bans may continue to be enforced even after the movement control order (MCO) is lifted.
Health Director – General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah on Thursday (April 23) said border control measures introduced by the government had reduced the number of imported COVID – 19 cases and should be continued.
Please click here to read the article.
Published 23 April.
Govt studying methods to revive economy in stages: Muhyiddin
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin said that the government is currently studying methods to revive the country’s economy in stages.
Please click here to read the article.
Published 24 April.
MITI Extension of Approval
MITI has announced that companies who have been approved to operate during the MCO will have their approval automatically extended until 12 May.
Published 24 April.
MITI: Appeal process to operate during MCO
For companies who applied to operate during the MCO but were rejected, you can appeal the application; please follow these 4 simple steps. This appeal is allowed once only.
Published 24 April.
MITI: Full workforce for approved companies, No need to apply again
Companies that were allowed to operate during the first, second and third MCO phases, are from today onward allowed to increase workforce capacity to 100% and operate without hours restriction. Of course, these companies must comply with the strict standard operating procedures that have been set for the respective sectors.
All information is available in this media release.
Please click here to read one of the related news articles.
Published 29 April
Government Allocates RM 100 million to Help Start – Ups
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has allocated RM100 million to Malaysia Debt Ventures Bhd (MDV) to fund the Technology Start-up Funding Relief Facility (TSFRF) to assist technology startups affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please click here to read the article.
Published 12 May
APEC Trade Ministers Commit to Mitigate Economic Impact Of COVID – 19
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) has issued a statement calling for APEC Economies to hasten the fight against COVID-19 while undertaking the necessary steps to remedy the health and economic impact of the pandemic.
Please click here to read the article.
Published 12 May
Compound awaits those who travel interstate without permission
The police will start issuing compound notices to those who are caught embarking on interstate travel without permission, said Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Please click here to read the article.
Published 18 May
Ministry to release SOPs for programmes that involve media coverage
A standard operating procedure (SOP) for programmes that involve media coverage will be outlined for organisers to follow.
Please click here to read the article.
Published 18 May
Business premises must abide by SOPs in handling Personal Data during CMCO
All business premises allowed to operate during the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) must comply fully with the operating procedures with regards to the collection, processing and storing of personal data, as set by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry (KKMM).
KKMM in a statement today said the standard procedures had been approved in a special ministerial committee meeting on the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) on May 21. According to the statement, only the customer’s or visitor’s name, contact number, date and time of visit, should be recorded and it was up to the premises owners to implement either manual or electronic recording.
Please click here to read the article.
Published 1 June.
Circular on CMCO areas and changes in SOP
With the announcement by YB Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, all states except Selangor, Sabah, and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur (and the areas listed below) are no longer under CMCO and are placed back under RMCO until 31 December 2020.
Areas still under CMCO:
Kedah: Kulim
Penang: Mukim 12 Barat Daya, Mukim 13 Timur Laut
Perak: Mukim Teja, Mukim Changkat Jong
Kelantan: Kota Bharu, Machant, Tanah Merah, Pasir Mas districts
Negeri Sembilan: Seremban, Port Dickson
Johor: Kota Tinggi, Johor Bharu, Batu Pahat, Kulai districts
With effect from 7 December, activities allowed in the CMCO areas are:
- Inter – district and interstate travel (except entering and leaving areas under EMCO;
- Passenger limit in vehicles is no longer limited to two (2) persons in a car;
- Movement into and out of Sabah is allowed (subject to negative test for RT – PCR or RTK Antigen test which is compulsory to be conducted three (3) days before travel;
- Face to face meetings at hotels are allowed with social distancing and subject to 50% of the original maximum capacity;
- Use of swimming pools at hotels is allowed with social distancing;
- Dine – in is allowed without limit but with social distancing;
- Business activity is allowed to operate until midnight;
- Filming activity is allowed without spectator and subject to minimum crew;
- Live event without spectator is allowed;
- Indoor busking is allowed subject tothe number of spectators to be determined by the Ministry of Communicaiton and Multimedia;
- All business activities under the Cultural and Tourism sector are allowed except:
- Theme park, cinema, and indoor playground;
- Meeting, seminar, workshop, training, courses, conference, lectures, and exhibitions;
- Official and unofficial ceremony of the government and private social activities;
- Arts and crafts product exhibitions, museum, library, and art gallery;
- Tour and travel in and out of the country.
Industries registered with MITI in areas under CMCO are still obliged to implement Work from Home (WFH) for employees in the management and supervisory categories, under which only 10% of the management and supervisory categories are allowed to be in the office, limited to four (4) hours a day, starting from 10:00 – 14:00 hrs for three (3) days a week.
Click here to read and download the Ministerial Circular on the new SOPs in BM
Click here to read and download the new SOPS in English (Unofficial Translation by EuroCham Malaysia)
Click here to read and download the circular by Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF).
Published 7 December
