Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) spend between RM1,700 and RM100,000 per month to comply with Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the National Security Council.
Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (Samenta) found that in a recent survey involving 176 respondents between Aug 15-31.
The survey was to understand the concerns of SMEs on the prevailing SOPs during the various movement control orders and different phases of the National Recovery Plan.
“To further understand the financial burden borne by SMEs on SOP compliance, the results showed a vast range of spending,” the association said in its SOP compliance report.
The survey showed that a mid-sized SME, on average, spent RM20,550 per month to adhere to the SOPs.
“From the feedback, the highest spending for SOP compliance ranges between RM50,000 to RM100,000 per month.
“Conversely, small-sized SMEs spent RM1,784. The highest spending for SOP compliance ranges between RM5,000 and RM10,000 per month for small-sized SMEs.”
Among the SOPs that scored an adoption rate of over 80 per cent were operating with controlled headcount, physical distancing, compulsory wearing of face masks and allowing employees to work from home.
“However, the findings show that only 39.8 per cent (of the respondents) conducted swab tests, 27.3 per cent required employees to wear double face masks, and 19.3 per cent demanded employees to wear a face shield.”
Samenta provided several recommendations in its report.
“SMEs want the authorities to give clear, standard and straightforward guidance for SOPs across industries. That is important for all sectors to understand the dos and don’t of the SOP requirements.
“It will also serve as a standard reference when they face spot checks.”
Samenta added that SMEs also preferred that the government provide additional SOP compliance subsidies as their expenses can be significant.
The association also urged Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin to find ways to lower the sampling cost as the current prices range between RM100 and RM350 per test.
“Likewise, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry should lower the ceiling price of the self-test kits to below RM10 per test kit.”
The other recommendations include that the government improve notification on any changes in the SOPs and for there to be better coordination among government agencies concerning enforcing the SOPs.
Malaysia today recorded 16,073 new Covid-19 cases. Sarawak recorded the highest number of infections (3,522), followed by Johor (2,030) and Selangor (1,947).
Here are Twentytwo13′s news highlights today.
DON’T BE COMPLACENT IN FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19, REMINDS AGONG
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong reminded parties not to be complacent in the efforts to curb Covid-19.
Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said everyone must take continuous steps to contain the spread of the coronavirus, especially with the emergence of new variants.
In the opening of the Fourth Session of the 14th Parliament sitting today, the Agong said there was a need to intensify effective communication for the whole-of-society strategy.
Al-Sultan Abdullah expressed confidence that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and his Cabinet would prove their achievements in the first 100 days in office.
Apart from Covid-19, the Agong also spoke about creating a better digital eco-system that would drive the government’s delivery system, aid economic growth and improve the capability of small and medium enterprises.
VACCINATION CENTRES IN PERAK NOW OPEN FOR WALK-INS
All 23 public Covid-19 vaccination centres in Perak opened their doors to walk-ins from today.
That included foreign nationals and undocumented migrants aged 18 and above.
Those who had yet to receive their appointments via the MySejahtera mobile application were encouraged to visit the vaccination centre, but the daily slots are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
FOREIGN INVESTORS PLACE TRUST IN MALAYSIA
The confidence of foreign investors in Malaysia’s conducive business climate resulted in the surge of approved foreign direct investments for the first half of 2021.
Malaysia recorded RM107.5 billion of FDI and domestic direct investments in the manufacturing, services and primary sectors. That was a 69.8 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said this augured well for Malaysia’s vibrant and sustainable economic recovery path.
“The stellar performance also demonstrates Malaysia’s strategy of positioning the country as an attractive investment destination of choice and supply chain hub in Southeast Asia,” Azmin said in a statement.
Azmin added that the investments involving 2,110 projects could generate 44,994 job opportunities.
GOVT TO TAKE NEW APPROACH TO TACKLE PRICEY CHICKENS, EGGS
The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry is aware of complaints regarding pricey chickens and eggs being sold and would adopt new steps to keep the prices in check.
Its minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said letters would be issued to wholesalers to hold engagement sessions with producers or farmers at a particular locality when the prices go up.
He said the approach would remind traders not to increase the prices of chickens and eggs. He said his ministry would also have discussions with the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry to ensure other contributing factors like imported chicken feed remain low.
He urged consumers to use the ministry’s Price Checker mobile application to compare the prices of essentials, including chicken and eggs, in their areas.
NATIONAL SHUTTLER GOH JIN WEI RETIRES DUE TO HEALTH REASONS
Former SEA Games champion Goh Jin Wei has retired from badminton due to health reasons. She revealed this on her YouTube channel earlier today.
The 21-year-old said she had been taking more medication daily since undergoing a colectomy two years ago.
23 SHORTLISTED FOR WOMEN’S ASIAN CUP QUALIFIERS
Steffi Sarge Kaur, Andrea Lee Xin Yi and Puteri Noralisa Wilkinson are among the 23 shortlisted to represent Malaysia in the Women’s Asia Cup 2022 qualifiers.
Coach Jacob Joseph named his final squad this morning.
The team will leave for Palestine tomorrow. The squad will play Thailand on Sept 19 and the host nation on Sept 22.
