KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 – Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said it is now to stop all rhetoric because all announcements related to aid and support must reach immediately.

The party president and BN chairman said this due to the devastative economic impact caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said the Malaysian economy is expected to grow only between 3.0 to 4.0 per cent for the whole year, which is lower than the initial projection of between 6.0 per cent and 7.5 per cent.

“That is with the target that all states have moved to Phase 4 VAT by November 2021. It means that some people will still face difficulties even after the economic sector is fully opened, especially those badly affected by pandemics such as losing business or jobs.

“Traders, for example, will face the challenge of starting a new business or restoring an existing business. Employees need time to stabilize their finances and restore their lives,” he said in a FB posting.

Generally, he said they need more time to recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic.

“If this group gets the same treatment as those who are less affected, it will be difficult to ‘stand back’.

“Among measures that can be implemented include the moratorium on payments for this group be extended after the current six-month period ends.

“Business assistance and job search by government agencies must also be strengthened to help them,” the Bagan Datuk MP said.