Special Issue #6 (26 Mar 2020) Dear Subscriber, 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. Grace period for loans 25 March 2020 - The Star Bank Negara is granting an automatic moratorium on all loan or financing payments for individuals and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) borrowers for six months beginning April 1. This comes as part of the central bank’s new measures to assist borrowers experiencing temporary financial constraints due to the Covid-19 outbreak.Bank Negara is said to be also working on measures for households and businesses to overcome challenges as a result of the pandemic. 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 1. Bank Negara Malaysia - FAQ On Loan Payment Deferment Bank Negara Malaysia has announced a number of regulatory and supervisory measures in support of efforts by banking institutions to assist individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and corporations to manage the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak. These measures allow banking institutions to remain focused on supporting the economy during these exceptional and unprecedented circumstances, by providing flexibilities for banking institutions to respond swiftly to the needs of their customers. - or - 2. MITI: Companies can continue to operate with approval The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) said companies producing essential goods that have obtained the ministry’s approval can continue operations, as the approval will remain valid throughout the extended Movement Control Order (MCO) period ending April 14. In a statement [on 25 March], MITI said the same applies to companies that have received the approval to keep their factory machineries in “warm idle” mode. 3. Ministry of Transport - Media Statement on Measures to Ensure Continued Supply of Essentila Goods During MCP The Government is committed to fight the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak using the various means at its disposal in order to keep Malaysians safe by temporarily limiting their freedoms to congregate and move about. The Government wants to ensure that as Malaysians go through this difficult time, their daily neccessities will continue to be met and their households will not be placed under any more stress than is neccessary. Any movement of essential goods for us all must not be curtailed or delayed from reaching those who need them in the market. 4. LHDN announces tax deductions for donations to COVID-19 funds The Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) today announced tax deductions for those who donate cash or items to contain the Covid-19 pandemic which has so far claimed 20 lives in the country. Taxpayers can contribute cash and items to the health ministry’s Covid-19 Fund or cash to a similar fund by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) under the Prime Minister’s Department. Alternatively, they can contribute to any organisation registered with the government. 5. BCC WEBINAR: Q & A with The Director General British Chambers of Commerce: Q & amp;A with The Director General (WEBINAR 31 Mar 8.30AM London Time) For International Chamber and Member Businesses: Join Director General Dr. Adam Marshall as he explains what action the British Chambers of Commerce is taking in Westminster to support its members across the UK and hears directly from the business community about the issues they are facing. The BMCC is compiling feedback on the impact of COVID-19 on your business activities and performance. These cover responses on (1) current/future impact on your business, (2) working from home and (3) any additional comments or suggestions you may have. We will relay the information gathered to relevant Government agencies in efforts to support our business community. #JomDo: Everyday heroes helping out out frontline heroes EACH day, more and more selfless Malaysians are stepping forward to offer their support and care to our dedicated medical staff who are constantly working tirelessly, putting their own health at risk for others during this COVID-19 pandemic. These are some of the good Samaritans who either are on their own accord or collaborating with NGOs to extend helping hands to the frontliners, both the medical staff and the police. URGENT: The Lost Food Project - Request for donation in light of Covid-19 Emergency During Covid-19, our collections of food have been negatively impacted by the control movement order. In order to continue our work as a foodbank and providing to our most critical charities for food, we have launched an emergency appeal to corporates and the general public. - - - University of Malaya Medical Centre - COVID19 Fund UMMC has received numerous request from the public to contribute to our COVID19 fund. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your generosity and welcome all donations. For cash donations or other forms, find out how you can contribute by *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. Responding to coronavirus: Initial QS survey insights from students and universities(Webinar, TONIGHT, 26 Mar, 11pm) QS has been surveying both prospective students and universities to understand the ongoing impact of COVID-19. We will be running a short webinar with initial insights including: - How students’ feelings have changed in the last month - The information students find reassuring from universities at this time - Sector response – how universities have responded or plan to respond This session will be hosted by Alex Berka, Research and Data Manager from QS Intelligence Unit. Responding & amp; Managing COVID-19 - Best Practices From Your Peers In International SOS' latest video, their medical and security directors share some of the best practices they observed in working with organisations across industries like Technology, Real Estate, Finance, Chemical, Media & amp; Entertainment, Energy, and Oil & amp; Gas. Watch the full video to learn how your peers are responding. You can also view each client story separately. Update & amp; FAQ on Malaysian immigration matters for expatriates during MCO Period Following the announcement by the Prime Minister today that the Movement Control Order (“MCO”) in Malaysia is extended from 31st March 2020 till 14th April 2020, we have prepared the frequently asked questions in respect of expatriates’ work pass (i.e. Employment Pass and Professional Visit Pass) together with our responses as follows. We will keep you updated with the latest immigration requirements and feedback from time to time. Do feel free to reach out to us if you have any further questions and we will be more than happy to assist. How to actually work...when you're working from home In light of the rapidly evolving COVID-19 outbreak, Hays has taken efforts to minimise its spread very seriously and has been proactive in implementing measures to protect the health and safety of our colleagues and customers globally. Hays Malaysia is still operational and is ready to support you with your recruitment needs. Our employees are currently working from home and are available to you via phone or email, with our working hours remaining as usual. for three top tips to help you become as productive as possible whilst working from home. Tenby Schools: Being Solution Focused During School Closure How did you plan for closure? We decided at the beginning of March that a school closure could occur in the near future. This was based on increasing knowledge from our ISP global schools and information from WHO and MOH – we all agreed we needed to be one step ahead of the virus. We started a special group named SEP COVID-19 Emergency Team that would start to plan for a school closure. Combating The Effects of Novel Coronavirus / COVID-19 on Employment in Organizations In times of uncertainty, we believe it is apt for the management of all commercial organizations, particularly the human resources department, to be prepared to deal with the effects of COVID-19 on the company and its employees. This article will provide a general guidance based on the Malaysian employment laws with respect to ten (10) most frequently asked questions by employers in the wake of COVID-19. ZICO Law Launches COVID-19 Resource Hub As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have far reaching impacts on the global economy, governments are scrambling to implement policies to combat uncertainty and panic. In the private sector, organisations are facing business continuity and compliance issues on an unprecedented level and scale. ZICO Law is committed to being part of a global community who are implementing best practices internally and helping other organisations do the same. For this reason, we have created the to serve as an interactive gateway of current, fact-based dialogue and content aimed to shed light on the regulations and impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in ASEAN countries. -The Star -New Straits Times -The Malaysian Reserve  -Anadolu Agency 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