PETALING JAYA: Businesses in the country will need more support if they are to pull through the economic situation brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, says a coalition of associations in a memorandum to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

       The National Covid-19 Economic Recovery Steering Committee, comprising 80 industries and business associations, called for help to address various challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic.

       They noted that it had been more than a year since the pandemic started.

       "Companies and businesses can no longer survive a lockdown, and the government must be fair to all business sectors.

       "We hope that the Federal and state governments reach a certain consensus to prevent the spread of the epidemic," its spokesperson Datuk Tan Poh Seng said during a press conference held virtually on Saturday (July 17).

       In the memorandum, the steering committee listed nine main proposals.

       It called for the government to respect the advice and strategies provided by professionals in the fight against the pandemic.

       Accelerating vaccination should be the country's first priority and the government should issue orders and provide simplified procedures, as well as coordinate with private clinics to accelerate vaccinations in the country, said Tan.

       Others include giving priority vaccinations for industrial and commercial sectors to restore the economy and reduce unemployment and business closures.

       It also asked for traditional Chinese medicine to be allowed to treat Covid-19.

       The steering committee also wanted the central bank to provide an automated moratorium to individuals and business loan repayments.

       It also requested the government to direct water and electricity providers or companies to immediately stop charging users until restrictions are lifted to reduce the people's burden.

       The group also asked to be able to fully cooperate with non-government organisations to set up food distribution centres throughout Malaysia.

       The steering committee also said that as long as the government can ensure that the people have enough food and a stable healthcare system, the commercial fraternity and the people would be able to overcome this difficult period together.

       "The government's financial aid plan should adequately address issues on unemployment and the well-being of private enterprise employees together with their families," added the committee.