KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) thanked caretaker Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his government for allowing non-essential sectors to resume operations in states under Phase One of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) since August 16.

MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said they were grateful for the positive responses towards their pleas in allowing small operators such as carwashes, barbers and saloons as well as gift shops to reopen, especially in the Klang Valley.

He said this decision has provided relief to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and micro-enterprises classified as non-essential sectors, for which, the federation is grateful.

He said MEF also recognised the past government as industry-friendly as there was constant engagement will all industry stakeholders on the needs of business sectors. 

"We have had access to many high-level platforms established before, such as the National TVET Council (MTVET), the National Employment Council, as well the Economic Recovery Council.

"These engagements were supported with provisions of financial aid to employers and the rakyat, with the implementation of strategic initiatives such as the Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat (BPR), Economic Recovery Plan (Penjana), Pakej Perlindungan Rakyat dan Pemulihan Ekonomi (Pemulih) and Strategic Programme to Empower the People and Economy (Pemerkasa).

"These strategic initiatives support business continuity, job creations and livelihoods during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"And we thank the past government for all that had done for employers and the country," he said in a statement, today.

In particular, Syed Hussain said MEF appreciates efforts and assistance provided by the Human Resources Ministry and its agencies.

"We extend our appreciation to this ministry as well as the Social Security Organisation (Socso), Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) and the Employment Insurance System (EIS) spearheaded by Datuk Seri M. Saravanan for both employees and employers benefits.

"We also thank the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) that had played an integral role in managing the Covid-19 standard operating procedures, as well as the introduction of the Public-Private Partnership Industrial Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (Pikas) in an effort to encourage vaccination among private-sector employees".

As the largest employer organisation in the country, Syed Hussain hoped the future government would constantly engage with MEF and industry players.

"Such engagement in future is to ensure all policies and procedures are business-friendly and able to encourage more investments into the country," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/08/718947/mef-thanks-muhyiddin-hearing-pleas-recognises-past-govt-industry-friendly