SIBU, Aug 6: The Sarawak Association of Marine Industries (Samin) is calling for the relaxation of the Movement Control Oder (MCO) and permission to deploy 80 to 100 per cent workforce to revitalise maritime industry related businesses, which it says are barely surviving due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Its president Dr Renco Yong said there were increasingly worrying signs of economic distress and social issues arising from unemployment and loss of income.
“It certainly would not be in the interest of anyone in Sarawak and our country for the MCO to continue to be extended with no reasonable target of its end in sight.
“As much as we understand the importance of physical distancing and observing SOPs (standard operating procedures) during the MCO to curb the spread of the coronavirus, there is growing anxiety and concern amongst the public that should the MCO prolong, more businesses, especially SMEs, micro enterprises, and small time traders will suffer.
“Those involved in the marine industries are no exception. Some companies are already having their heads barely above water and on a day-to-day survival mode”, said Yong in his opening remarks at the Samin Sixth Committee and Council Meeting yesterday.
He pointed out that against this gloomy economic backdrop and after discussions with Sarawak Shipping Association (SSA) and Malaysia Shipowners’ Association (MSA), Samin has decided to appeal to the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) and International Trade & Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development (Mintred) to allow the marine industries to mobilise 80 to 100 per cent of its workforce during the different phases of the MCO.
At the same time, he expressed hope to see that not only all workers in the marine industries but all Sarawakians and Malaysians receive their vaccination soonest to expedite economic efforts under the National Recovery Plan.
“We in the marine industries are eager to be at the forefront of this effort to contribute to the economic recovery and growth of our beloved state of Sarawak,” said Wong.
During the meeting, several proposals were deliberated including the publication of the ‘Book of Sarawak for Maritime Industries’, vaccination for local and foreign crews, staff and workers, as well as the difficulties in renewal of the passports and working visa for foreign workers. — DayakDaily
