By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 13: The federal government assured that the previously announced economic stimulus packages will be monitored for implementation so that the effect can be felt by all Malaysians instantly.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the government predicted that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth will decrease as much as 0.8 per cent to 1.2 per cent, or RM10.8 billion to RM17.3 billion.
“The Covid-19 has impacted the economy, whereby there are workers having to take leave, work from home or lost their jobs, with the tourism sector, small and medium enterprises and transport industry being the hardest hit.
“Tourism packages were cancelled and this have affected those working in airlines and hotels,” he said in a special address on Covid-19 tonight.
He was referring to the Stimulus Package 2020 that announced by interim prime minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, last month to reduce the economic impact of Covid-19.
Muhyiddin said the estimated loss in the tourism sector beginning January until February this year was RM3.37 billion.
“As such, I am aware that immediate measures needed to be implemented to reduce the impact of Covid-19 on the nation’s economy, especially the people,” he added.
In view of the escalating Covid-19 pandemic, he urged Malaysians to take precautionary measures to protect oneself, children as well as family from being infected by the disease.
“Most importantly, practice high-level personal hygiene by always washing hands, use face mask and hand sanitiser, avoid contact and greetings as well as avoid participating in any form of gatherings,” he advised. — DayakDaily
