SIBU, March 17: Sibu Businesswomen Association calls on the federal government to provide further details and clarification following the authorities’ decision to implement a restricted movement order.
Its president, Jamie Tiew Yen Houng in a statement today noted the directive has left many businesses in the lurch.
“This is because the directive is not specific enough especially with regards to the issue of salaries and forced leave from employment,” she explained.
Tiew also expressed concern about the welfare of employers and employees with respect to financial flow.
“If the employer is to close business for two weeks, then how would the “forced leave” of the employees be classified in terms of labour law and salaries? More specific directives need to be put in place where this is concerned,” she added.
Tiew suggested the goverment should direct banks to suspend all instalment payments for at least as long as the restricted movement order is in effect as employers will not be able to carry out business as usual.
“This is because without being able to do business, how is the employer expected to pay the employees and hence how will each of them pay their respective loans and/or other commitments?”
She also called on the federal government to give a grace period of six months to taxpayers to file their tax returns which for many is due next month.
Meanwhile, Tiew urged the public to adhere to the restricted movement order so as to ensure that the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic could be effectively curbed. — DayakDaily
