KUCHING, April 30: Malaysia’s trade and distribution sector recorded RM48.8 billion in sales value in February this year which marked a growth of 10.2 per cent compared to the previous year.
Welcoming the broad lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said this achievement is expected to be further enhanced with the cooperation from all parties, especially retail industry players and all Malaysians in ensuring a safe and resilient business ecosystem from the pandemic.
“This means that under the endemic transition period, the government has given more flexibility to the retail industry and consumers in ensuring that the industry ‘breathes again’, after going through stressful and tough times for over two years of the pandemic,” he said in a statement today.
The ease of restrictions, he continued, will directly support the economic recovery efforts being undertaken by KPDNHEP through various initiatives under the distribution trade sector including the retail sector based on the 3R concept of Recovery, Revive and Revitalise.
“It is expected to contribute to the target sales value of RM500 billion by the end of this year,” he added.
As checking-in with the MySejahtera app is no longer required to enter premises from May 1, Nanta emphasised that the Ministry will mobilise enforcement officers nationwide to conduct random checks to keep the business ecosystem safe from the spread of Covid-19 infections.
“If the status of employees or visitors is found to be high-risk, enforcement action can be taken against them under the Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control Act 1988 ( Act 342) for failing to comply with the rules.
“Therefore, the Ministry urged all parties to work together to ensure that this endemic transition phase runs smoothly in ensuring that the well-being of the people is always protected,” he said.
For any further inquiries, industry players and the public can contact the Secretariat of Trade Distribution and Services Industry (SPIP) at hotline 03-8882 5881/5905 or via email to spip@kpdnhep.gov.my. — DayakDaily
