SIBU: The business community here is worried the extension of the movement control order (MCO) by another two weeks to April 14 will have serious adverse repercussion to their businesses.
A transport company manager Alex Ting said the MCO had already put his company business in a tight spot since it was imposed on March 18.
“With another two weeks extension, honestly, I do not know how I am going to pull through,” he said when commenting on the extension of the MCO.
Ting said since the MCO went into effect most of the orders from the local business community are stuck at his company’s warehouse at Jalan Lanang.
He said they could not deliver the goods to their customers as most are non essential items and moreover, the business premises are also closed.
He said besides being unable to fulfill their orders the company is exposed to the additional burden of having to look after the goods and be extra vigilant against fire outbreaks.
“We are in a desperate situation,” he added.
Ting said his transport company employed some 60 workers in its four branches throughout the state and with the extension of the MCO, he foresees the grave difficulties in coming up with the salary for his workers.
Business entrepreneur Dr Gregory Hii says he believed that the government must have sufficient reasons to extend the MCO.
He said it is best that the people accept the extension calmly, not only for their own safety but also for the sake of the country.
“We really have no choice but to bite the bullet. Short term pain is better than long term suffering.”
Hii said he sympathise with all employers and hoped that they could pull through this very challenging period and save their businesses which they had built up over the years.
“Just imagine how much pressure the airlines bosses are undergoing now, having to ground so many flights due to the lack of travelers and having to lay off so many staff,” he said.
He said the same goes to all the businesses, particularly those in the travel sectors and the businesses indirectly connected to the travel industry.
Hii said even the financial sector is not spared from the crisis and insufficient income from the borrowers means delay in payment and this is bringing a great impact to the finance sectors.
“Hopefully, the government can come up with a special package or tax scheme to mitigate the damage brought by covid-9 and to help the business community overcome their hardship.”