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KUALA LUMPUR: Gerakan today launched a business advisory platform to stimulate the small and medium enterprise (SME) sectors during the on-going Movement Control Order (MCO) period.

Party deputy secretary-general Gary Lee said the platform dubbed #BforB (business for business) was aimed to build a collaborative environment for Malaysian businesses.

He said local businesses cannot work in silo and remain focused on their own profitability as both B2B (business to business) and B2C (business to consumer) markets have taken a hit from the Covid-19 crisis.

“We are preparing businesses to transform, build resilience and sustainability for the post MCO period.

“Taking China as an example, Gerakan foresees local businesses may still suffer, even after the stimulus packages kick in and reopening (of businesses) post-MCO.

“A lot of companies are already finding it hard to manage the current abruption in business. It is no longer going to be business as usual,” he said in a statement today.

He said the platform would be available to local businesses of all sizes for consultancy and coordination of services.

“This include but not limited to Business Transformation and Management Advisory; Back to Work standard operating procedures and guidelines; Factory Transformation and Processes; Application of Permits, Licenses; Application for Stimulus Package; Branding, Public Relations and Media Relations; Transportation, Logistics and Delivery; Levelling up Businesses to Digital Platforms and Legal Advisory.

“We will be managing this through our network of members who are mostly professionals or business owners in different fields,” he said.

Lee, who is the project’s head, hoped the platform would be able to reset, reinvent, reconnect and realign the supply chain while rebooting Malaysia’s economy.

He added the current situation would also affect the economy in a micro-level way in the long run.

“Buying power may be reduced as spending habits change due to job losses, pay cuts, fear of losing jobs or general self-imposed precautionary measures.

“Given the world is still fighting the pandemic, travel restrictions, export restrictions, operational disruptions and budget freezes would continue to impact Malaysian businesses negatively.”

He said according to Bank Negara Malaysia, the country’s economic growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), is projected at -2 per cent due to the pandemic.

“However, Gerakan’s small medium enterprises (SMEs) bureau, which has been tasked to assist in this project, foresees continued demand in areas such as personal protection and hygiene items.

“We urge Malaysian businesses that have resources to be part of this ecosystem and support each other in order to create a more sustainable business environment for Malaysians.”

He urged business owners to participate in the #BforB initiative as they were hoping it could be a master repository of local businesses and create collaborations among the participants.

“We call on businesses to take initiatives to change their operations, business model and offerings now to ensure business sustainability.”

The platform will be activated in phases starting with the central region (Selangor and Kuala Lumpur), followed by Phase 2 in the northern region (Perak, Kedah, Penang and Perlis), Phase 3 in the southern region (Negri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor), Phase 4 in the eastern region (Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu) and Phase 5 in East Malaysia (Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan).

Source : https://new.nst.com.my/business/2020/04/582836/gerakans-business-advisory-platform-stimulate-sme-sector