PASIR PUTIH: Entrepreneur Mazini Ismail had been struggling to make ends meet when revenue from her 'keropok sira' business dropped drastically during the first Movement Control Order (MCO) early last year.
Apart from having less demand for the savoury snack, the 49-year-old businesswoman had been constantly worried about the fate of her 30 workers.
However, these concerns were resolved when the government implemented the first round of the Wage Subsidy Programme, which benefited small- and medium-sized entreprise owners liker her.
"I am happy as my burden at that time was lifted, thanks to the government.
"Like other SMEs, the Covid-19 pandemic had caused our businesses to suffer due to a drop in earnings; but we have been lucky as the government recently announced the Wage Subsidy Programme 3.0.
"This is like a windfall again for us," said Marini, when met at her factory in Kampung Padang Pak Amat here, which produces the "Cap Juara" brand of 'keropok sira'.
The mother of five, who ventured in the 'keropok sira' business 15 years ago, said she would apply for the wage subsidy again to retain her staff and sustain her business.
"The wage subsidy programme not only helped me but also other SMEs to continue our businesses that were affected by the pandemic.
"The move to introduce another round of the Wage Subsidy Programme is very meaningful to us as we have been suffering a lot due to the coronavirus.
"We are really appreciative of the government's assistance."
The "Cap Juara" brand of 'keropok sira' is sold not only in Kelantan, but in other states as well. She is among the entrepreneurs who operate under the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA).
Last Monday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin unveiled the Perlindungan Ekonomi dan Rakyat Malaysia (Permai) assistance package containing 22 initiatives aimed at fighting Covid-19, safeguarding the people's welfare and supporting the business community.
The package included the Wage Subsidy Program 3.0, which was an enhanced version of similar initiatives implemented under the Social Security Organisation (Socso).
The programme is opened to all employers in all sectors in MCO states. Under the programme, eligible employers will receive a RM600 wage subsidy for each employee who earns less than RM4,000.
The subsidy limit for 200 employees for each employer has also been increased to 500 employees under Wage Subsidy Programme 3.0.
Meanwhile, human capital management solutions company, Ramssol Group lauded the Permai assistance package and described it as a timely form of assistance for the people and business community.
Its group managing director and chief executive officer, Cllement Tan said the fifth stimulus package is a welcome relief especially for low-income households and affected business particularly SMEs.
"We believe Permai will help sustain businesses, especially SMEs and entrepreneurs operating in MCO states.
"Initiative such as the extension of the loan moratorium and the Wage Subsidy Program 3.0, which will support more than 250,000 employers and 2.6 million employees will provide a financial cushion needed to retain current employment.
"Permai will protect the people and business community's wellbeing the same way the previous stimulus packages had done."
Tan said many SMEs will benefit from the various grants, loans and one-off payments. This will encourage businesses to ensure workforce stability, which will lead to sustainability.
"Permai is a comprehensive set of initiatives by the government. The initiatives apply to multiple sectors, and it will help Malaysians to grab and achieve different opportunities during the MCO period," he said in a statement.
Source: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/01/660044/smes-confident-sustainability-wage-subsidy-30