KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 – The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the lukewarm Movement Control Order (PKP) have had serious economic implications, said party President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said it will not only affect the country’s economy but also the people’s economy, and it takes time to fully recover.

“If the new government is trying to restore its finances, so are most of the people. If there is the term ‘long covid’ in the health aspect, this can be considered as ‘long covid’ in the economic aspect.

“Therefore, many hope that the Finance Minister will fulfill the people’s request to continue the i-Citra scheme,” he said in a FB posting.

“Those with sufficient savings should be allowed to withdraw their money again. At least they can survive a little longer,” he said.

He commented that this is due to the moratorium on loan repayment and withdrawal of Employees Provident Fund (EPF) money through the i-Citra scheme which will end this month.

“However, I understand that not all people are ready to return to pay their commitments. There are still those who have not got a stable job, those who are in business have not made a profit and so on,” he said.