SIBU: Out of the total of RM250 billion, the Prihatin stimulus package has a direct cash injection of RM22 billion into the nation’s economy.
Councillor Robert Lau
In stating this, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan branch chairman Councillor Robert Lau said the government would have to borrow and dip into the nation’s reserves.
“This amount will help those directly impacted by the near closure of the economy especially the SMEs (small-medium enterprises), B40 group, employees and the self-employed,” he said yesterday in commenting on the stimulus package announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Friday afternoon to cushion the impact brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lau, who is also deputy chairman of Sibu Rural District Council, said the federal government had acted and it was now time for the machinery to kick into gear to support the livelihood of all Malaysians.
Once the situation stabilised and life returned to normal, the federal government would have to act fast to bring down national debt, he added.
“This can only be done if we stay focused to make our economy strong. It can only be achieved if we Malaysians work as a team by employing the best brains to do the best jobs and to do them most efficiently. All waste and inconsequential matters should be trimmed,” he stressed.
Lau also pointed out that food security would be critical in six months’ time, adding that it was good to see a RM1-billion allocation for this. “I wish to see that this budget is quickly and efficiently implemented.
“Sarawak has huge land area and is ideal for food production.
“Yet we are seriously lacking all aspects of the food chain ranging from infrastructure, land usage, skills training, research and development.”
On the current situation, Lau admitted that it had been a very trying time for Malaysia and the whole world.
He noted that the federal government had announced two stimulus packages within a short span of less than two weeks.
“Credit to the government for making the tough decisions,” Lau added.