Dear Subscriber, As we activate our business continuity plans during this Movement Control Order, the BMCC will be keeping you updated on the latest on COVID-19 developments, including Government initiatives and the sharing of knowledge and best practices from our members. In this issue, we'll be covering: • List of Essential Items • FAQs from Retailers • IRB: Tax Returns 2019 Submission Deadline Extension • : Operational statuses of essential and non-essential businesses 1. List of Essential Items The Government has agreed for companies producing the list of items as attached below to continue to operate at minimal level. Companies will need to ensure compliance with MOH’s requirements at all times and companies will be responsible to bear all costs associated with disinfecting the premises and factories. Companies need to furnish MITI with name list of workers who will be working at the premises and factories during the period of movement control order. This lists essential goods (food, beverages, agriculture, fisheries, household products, medical, pharmaceuticals, etc.) and a list of products that are part of the supply chain of essential goods for exemption from restriction of movement. The National Security Council (Majlis Keselamatan Negara) released a press release on the operational statuses of Essential Services. If you think your company's products / services should be included in the Government's list of essential items, let us know and why in this questionnaire BMCC participated in a task force meeting on the impact of COVID-19 to the industries 1/2020, hosted by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, which was also participated by other Chambers of Commerce and selected industry leaders. Various concerns were raised and discussed on the impact to industries following the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Movement Control Order. One of the key concerns discussed was the closure of all government and private premises except those involved in essential services. It was highlighted that many of these non-essential businesses would be part of the supply chain of the essential businesses and the Closure may result in disruption to important essential businesses. If you view the closure of your business operations will be disruptive to essential businesses, please inform us immediately by completing the questionnaire below. MITI is keen to obtain immediate feedback from the industry on the impact of the Movement Control Order. Your feedback and recommendations will be provided directly to MITI. MITI has assured that the feedback from industry will be brought to the attention of the National Security Council. The National Security Council, chaired by the Prime Minister meets on a daily basis to tackle issues. 2. FAQs From Retailers Frequently Asked Questions by Malaysian retailers are answered by the Government regarding the continuity of their businesses during the Movement Control Order. These include questions on eateries, sundry shops, shopping mall outlets, call centres, laundromats, residential security, deliveries, etc. *This official document is in Bahasa Malaysia. If you require assistance in English, please email comms@bmcc.org.my 3. IRB: Tax Returns 2019 Submission Deadline Extension The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) / Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN) has issued a press statement notifying the closure of all their premises nationwide following the implementation of the Movement Control Order (18 - 31 Mar 2020) Tax Filing Deadlines have been extended by two (2) months for Employers and Individuals. Member Updates *BMCC Members are welcomed to share any news, research findings, press releases, corporate announcements, surveys or questionnaires etc. related to COVID-19 with us. We will assist to disseminate your content to all our readers on this channel. EY Tax Alert (Special Edition): IRB's response to Movement Control EY's special edition Tax Alert covers the IRB's response to the Government's Movement Control Order, the extended due dates for the submission of return forms, and useful contact details for HASIL made available for taxpayers. PwC Malaysia - TaXavvy PwC Malaysia has shared an informative document on the measures put in place by the IRB to assist taxpayers to manage their tax compliance obligations during the Movement Control Order period. This includes a table on the revised grace periods for tax returns filings and other helpful information on PIN applications and submissions. MIDA Implements Work-From-Home Arrangements From 18-31 March 2020 MIDA has established its work-from-home arrangements and will be using various digital platforms to remotely connect with stakeholders. MIDA will continue to be responsive in providing advice and support to its clients. MIDA officials, particularly the Directors and Deputy Directors can be easily contacted through their respective emails. In The News -New Straits Times -The Star -The Guardian -The Guardian British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Berhad 201801018075 (1280091-P) E04C0, 4th Floor East Block, Wisma Golden Eagle Realty, 142-B Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur T: +603 2163 1784 / 1786 | E: | W: Copyright © BMCC 2020