Wee (left) and MBKS mayor Wee Hong Seng during a weekly Facebook live session.
KUCHING (June 13): Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations (SFCA) hopes the government will include small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and sole proprietors in its (govt) economic assistance packages.
Association president Dato Richard Wee said such businesses were the backbones of the economy which provide jobs to the people.
“Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance (BKSS) 6.0 package provides much-needed relief to the tourism sector and hawkers, but I believe much more need to be done for SMEs and sole proprietors,” said Wee during a Facebook live session hosted by mayor of Kuching City South Council Dato Wee Hong Seng yesterday.
Wee hoped both federal and state governments would allocate more resources to businesses registered in the state, including offering them low interest rate financing.
He said he would submit proposals to the state government soon to address the needs of the business community to tide them over the immense economic challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
On the handling of the pandemic, he hoped the government would be more open-minded and receptive to positive feedbacks and proposals.
“After all, nobody has the monopoly over good ideas. If the public has better ideas on the handling of the pandemic, they can always offer it through the right channels.”
Wee also asked the public to unite in the face of the pandemic and to avoid confrontation that might exacerbate the situation.
“On the Covid-19 vaccination programme, I am confident the vaccination target in urban areas is achievable, but more resources might need to be deployed in the rural areas.
“Work together instead of finger-pointing as we seek to tackle this pandemic. I believe something good will come out from a bad situation.”
Wee also said the federation would continue to work closely with the relevant agencies and local councils to provide material assistance to the frontliners, as well as carrying out awareness and education programmes on the vaccination.
On a separate note, he said the Minister of Local Government and Housing Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian had agreed to a 50 per cent discount on rental of KMC flats at Ban Hock Road here from July to December this year, which would result in revenue loss of RM372,912 to the local council.
“We will also bring up complaints of uncollected rubbish to Trienekens due to some of their workers being tested positive for Covid-19,” said Wee.