PETALING JAYA: The government must come up with a comprehensive policy to address unemployment as cash relief alone is inadequate, says Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan(pic).

       He pointed that emergency cash assistance is just a temporary measure as the country is moving towards the endemic stage in its fight against Covid-19.

       "The move to accelerate cash relief handouts is welcomed, but I am sure that the government is aware that this alone is inadequate.

       "As we enter the endemic phase, we must recognise that Covid-19 will be with us," Shahril said in a statement on Monday (Sept 6) night.

       He also questioned how long the public can rely only on cash assistance and EPF withdrawals when their savings are dwindling.

       "Currently, 4.5 million EPF depositors have less than RM5,000 each and once iCitra is completed, it is possible that over one million people will have no money left in their accounts.

       "To revive the economy, we must come up with a different idea.

       "More than 750,000 people are unemployed and most of them are young people. While they do not turn down food aid and cash, most of them prefer job and business opportunities.

       "Young people in Malaysia are committed and enthusiastic. There is no substitute for the concept of generating income for themselves and for their families," he said.

       "To that end, I welcome the plan for the safe opening of economic sectors as stated by the Senior Minister in charge of security and the Health Minister recently.

       "The details need to be refined but in terms of concept, it is reasonable (as we move) towards the endemic phase,” he said.

       "While planning for the reopening, the government must also tackle unemployment with a thorough policy.

       "Under a job security scheme or Job Bank concept, the government does not expect the private sector to merely create job vacancies but to play a more direct role in creating and funding job opportunities in the short and the medium term.

       "On top of that, any effort to create business opportunities must be implemented immediately, such as simplifying bureaucracy among local councils nationwide that restricts traders and businesses," he added.

       Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has pushed for cash vouchers to be handed out as quickly as possible to 708,223 recipients of Covid-19 Special Assistance who do not have bank accounts, according to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

       A total of 10 million recipients began receiving their payment for the financial package from Monday.