Special Issue #4 (20 Mar 2020) Dear Subscriber, We hope this finds you in good health. As part of our business continuity plans during this Movement Control Order, the BMCC is keeping our members 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: - Ministry of Human Resource FAQs - PERKESO FAQs on Employment Retention Program - Bank Negara Malaysia's Fund for SMEs - MyXpat Expatriate Services Division FAQs - Immigration Department Malaysia - Exemption of Special Pass for Foreigners in Malaysia - Immigration Department Malaysia - Implementation Procedure for Land & amp; Sea Checkpoints - National Security Council - FAQs on Movement Control Order 1. Ministry of Human Resource FAQs Frequently Asked Questions by Malaysian employers and employees are answered by the Ministry of Human Resource regarding the rights and policies in place during the Movement Control Order. These include questions on compulsory salaries, relief incentives, annual leave, and errant employers or employees. 2. PERKESO FAQs on Employment Retention Program The Employment Retention Program (ERP) by PERKESO offers immediate financial assistance for employees who have been instructed to take no paid leave by their employers who are economically affected by Covid-19,This FAQ covers eligibility, period of assistance, and application procedures. • • • The Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), now known as PERKESO, was established as one of the government departments under the Ministry of Human Resources to administer, implement and enforce the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 and the Employees’ Social Security (General) Regulations 1971. 3. Bank Negara Malaysia's Financing Facilities for SMEs Bank Negara Malaysia has announced the Special Relief Facility (SRF), the Automation and Digitalisation Facility (ADF) and Agrofood Facility (AF) offering financing facilities to assist companies,, particularly SMEs adversely affected by COVID-19 by providing immediate and targeted cash flow. This FAQ addresses eligibility, application processes, types of relief. etc. 4. MYXPats Centre - Expatriate Services Division FAQs In light of the Movement Control Order, MYXPats Centre has compiled a list of frequently asked questions for anyone with immigration concerns. For further inquiries, you can reach out to - - - 5. Immigration Department Malaysia - Exemption of Special Pass for Foreigners in Malaysia The Immigration Department Malaysia has granted exemption of special passes for all foreigners in Malaysia whose pass has expired during this Movement Control Order period. Foreigners may leave Malaysia without any Special Pass provided they possess a valid passport. 6. Immigration Department Malaysia - Implementation Procedure for Land & Sea Checkpoints The Immigration Department of Malaysia has issued an implementation procedure for land and sea checkpoints during the Movement Control Order. This covers regulations and measures enforced at checkpoints for commercial heavy vehicles, permissions, and harbour rules for local and foreign vessels, applied to owners, agents or chartered crew. 7. National Security Council - FAQs on Movement Control Order FAQs on Movement Control Order. These includes detailed responses towards wedding and funerals, , interstate working travels as well as Singapore, school replacement classes, eateries, public transport services, locals with foreign spouses and more. According to this FAQ, (#8) you are allowed to go out to purchase groceries and return directly if you are out of supplies during the MCO. #18. Eateries can remain open but only for takeaways or food delivery services such as Grab Food or Food Panda. NOTICE: Always refer to official announcements by the National Security Council on matters related to the Movement Control Order and official FAQs issued by related Ministries and Agencies for clarifications. BMCC will aim to highlight the relevant FAQs as much as possible. If you require urgent assistance or need any clarifications, please contact us at comms@bmcc.org.my 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. 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. Webinar Series: Is Force Majeure the answer to your coronavirus problem - Traps for the unwary Companies are now faced with having to deal with unexpected situations, which include employees having to work from home or taking mandatory leave of absence as preventive measures against the further spread of the virus. Join us for a live webinar with our Asia Head of Disputes, Peter Godwin, and discuss how force majeure may affect the performance of contractual obligations and "top tips" for companies to beware of in these unpredictable times. Webinar Available on Demand. Webinar: Navigating Uncertainties: Ipsos Malaysia Consumer Confidence Outlook Ipsos Malaysia will be hosting our first complimentary Webinar Session with the Public Affairs team titled “Navigating Uncertainties: Ipsos Malaysia Consumer Confidence Outlook”. Starting from March 2020 onwards, we will be introducing this form of communication with you, our clients and we will be able to enrich all our client with all the latest data and reports from Ipsos Malaysia. In The News -Malay Mail -The Edge -Malay Mail -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