KUALA LUMPUR: The Movement Control Order (MCO) implemented to curb the spread of Covid-19 earlier this year has left an impact on many businesses.
Muhammad Fikri Mohd Rahani, 29, went through much difficulties during that period as he had to pay his staff even though he could not open for business.
The young entrepreneur, who runs a burger stall, spa and barber shop in Sungai Buloh, is one of the many young entrepreneurs who received assistance from the various aid packages announced by the government.
Fikri is grateful for the wage subsidy and special grant for entrepreneurs under the Kita Prihatin initiative.
"During times of uncertainty, the concern is being able to sustain one's business and pay staff salaries and other overhead costs. I am so relieved and happy to hear about the Kita Prihatin aid.
"Alhamdulillah, such assistance has enabled me to cover the cost and expenditure of my business. "Apart from settling bills, I paid the salaries of eight of my staff.
The assistance is indeed a blessing that has taken a huge burden off my shoulders."
Another grateful recipient, Fatzuli Suratman, 47, said that the aid handed out by the government was very meaningful and came at the right time as he just switched fields from being a salaried worker to a small entrepreneur.
He pointed out that as someone who runs a food stall, operating his business while adhering to the new norms really tested his resolve and resilience.
"After only about a month of being my own boss running the food stall, the MCO came into effect and I was left worried thinking about how I would put food on the table for my three children at home.
"Thanks to Kita Prihatin, I managed to continue supporting my family," he said.
Source: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2020/11/638288/subsidies-and-grants-%E2%80%94-boon-small-businesses