​PETALING JAYA: Employers are advised to take extra precaution in managing the spread of Covid-19 in order to strike a delicate balance  of saving lives and livelihoods. 

MEF President Dato’ Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman J.P. called on private sector employers to strictly adhere to the established standard operating procedures (SOPs) to safeguard public health and the overall economy. It is commendable indeed for the employers to brief, educate  all the employees and to provide the right Covid-19 prevention environment at the work place. While the government has responsibilities towards the lives and livelihood of the nation, employers also need to take responsibility to assist the government to break the chain of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“The question of lives and livelihood is always difficult to address. But without health there is no economy. Therefore, we must have a good balance in keeping both a healthy body and economy,” said Dato’ Dr Syed Hussain.  

“The government is doing its level best to open up as many business sectors as possible and in return we as employers must do our part by strictly adhering  to all the SOPs.   

“While we support the government’s efforts to break the Covid-19 chain and flatten the curve of new infections, MEF hopes the government will also provide the necessary support to employers to ensure sustainability as MCO is expected to last till at least end of February.  

“The restrictions imposed under the MCO are detrimental to the company’s bottom line as employers face many challenges such as retaining staff, paying rent, meeting other fixed  operating costs, taxes and bank loan repayments.  

“Such support could be in the form of moratorium on bank loans, provision of grants, reduction or waiver of taxes.”   

Dato’ Dr Syed Hussain also proposed that the fee for Covid-19 screening be standardised to RM30 per test. It is understood that currently the fee being imposed by service providers is between RM30 to RM80 per test.  

For further information, contact the MEF Secretariat at 03-7955-7778 or fax 03-7955-9008 or email mef-hq@mef.org.my.  

18 JANUARY 2021