AirAsia Launches S.O.S Campaign To Help Businesses Hit By COVID-19

AirAsia Group has launched a Save Our Shops (S.O.S) campaign to help local businesses that are being hit hard by COVID-19 to market their products through its e-commerce platform, OURSHOP.

The airline said OURSHOP would be hosted on its website, airasia.com, which receives significant traffic, and products sold through the platform would be delivered via its logistics arm Teleport.

“We have the right platform and infrastructure, and in this travel down-time, what better way to put our resources to good use than by lending a helping hand to those who need it,” AirAsia said in a statement today.

It said the campaign would enable merchants to sign up at zero commission and zero listing fee to market their products on OURSHOP for the whole of April.

However, these shops would be required to cover the banking transaction charges of two per cent for each sale made, AirAsia said.

The products that qualify include groceries, daily essentials, food and beverage, beauty products and household items.

SOURCE: BERNAMA/ 4 APRIL 2020

'Direct Debits' : CIMB Akan Hubungi Pelanggan

CIMB BANK

KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Bank Bhd (CIMB) berkata transaksi ‘direct debit’ yang tular di media sosial adalah urus niaga kad debit yang sah yang dibuat pelanggan.

Bank itu dalam kenyataan ringkas kepada BH berkata, insiden terpencil itu adalah disebabkan transaksi tidak lengkap yang dibuat oleh pelanggan dengan peniaga luar negara seperti langganan atau perkhidmatan penstriman dalam talian.

Bagaimanapun, katanya, transaksi berkenaan dilabel semula sebagai ‘direct debits’ menyebabkan kekeliruan kepada pelanggannya.

“Kami memohon maaf atas sebarang kekeliruan dan kami akan menghubungi pelanggan yang terbabit secara langsung,” katanya.

Sejak semalam kecoh di media sosial mengenai caj secara rawak CIMB ke atas akaun pelanggannya.

Dalam akaun Tweeter rasmi CIMB Assist, deretan komen di tinggalkan pelanggan syarikat perbankan itu yang meminta CIMB meningkatkan sistem keselamatan CIMB Clicks.

Ia susulan wujudnya transaksi tanpa pengesahan dengan pelanggan dicaj ratusan ringgit tanpa disedari atau dimaklumkan terlebih dulu.

Menurut Cena @HusnaShaidin, tiada butiran lanjut mengenai pembelian yang dibuat termasuk tarikh.

Bagi Syazany @bezane, ia alah caj yang tidak patut kerana transaksi tanpa pengesahan pelanggan.

Ia bukan kes pertama, berdasarkan carian BH, pada 2018 timbul juga isu sama, apabila akaun pelanggan dikenakan caj oleh penyedia platform pembayaran ketiga meskipun tanpa membuat apa-apa transaksi.

SUMBER: BH ONLINE/ 4 APRIL 2020

Seven Tech Giants Offer Free Video-Conferencing Tools Amid COVID-19 Outbreak - MDEC

Zoom

Seven tech giants have made their video conferencing tools freely available to enhance work-from-home capabilities of Malaysian businesses in support of the #DigitalVsCovid movement introduced by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) as a positive response platform that collates digital resources for Malaysians to mitigate the impact of Covid-19.

The global tech giants are Alibaba, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cisco, Google, Microsoft, Tencent, and Zoom.

MDEC chief executive officer Surina Shukri said this new pandemic has forced companies to rethink how the world does things and the way businesses have to operate. 

“Business owners have to now find that balance between unexpected disruptions, while protecting the heath and welfare of their employees.

“Already, all employers are analysing existing company policies to determine whether any adjustments for current working processes are needed. Now is the time to activate the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and go fully digital,” she said in a statement.

Surina said MDEC is firmly committed to driving forward digital investments and navigating the current challenges brought on by Covid-19.

“MDEC itself has used these remote collaboration digital tools to participate in multiple industry-focused conferences -- specifically, interactive web-seminars with ecosystem partners.

“Additionally, we have also organised multiple industry-focused events like the recent Data Economy Immersion virtual conference with key market players and various workshops to share eCommerce and business management skills and tips,” she added.

All seven video-conferencing and collaborative tools are listed on MDEC’s website and will be updated from time to time.

Each will come with full user access for different validity periods, and employers can explore these offerings to find out more information and how to best ulitilise them for work-from-home arrangements.  

SOURCE: BERNAMA

TM Unveils Latest Solution For COVID-19 Early Detection

Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM), through its innovation arm TM Research and Development (TM R&D), has unveiled its latest state-of-the-art solution, namely Early Warning, Alert & Response (EWAR).

In a statement today, TM said EWAR can measure and detect individuals with abnormal body temperature in crowded areas, which is among the initial symptoms to look out for in potential cases of viral diseases such as SARS, Ebola and the recent COVID-19.

It said the solution is equipped with a dual camera (thermal and optical) that is able to detect abnormal temperatures of approximately 15 individuals per second simultaneously.


"The project to develop EWAR kicked off in mid-February 2020 and it was developed on TM R&D’s Open Innovation Platform (OIP), Malaysia’s first Open Software Development Platform, a robust digital infrastructure that provides a complete eco-system for the creation of new services on the go.

"By using EWAR, real-time monitoring and early detection can be performed with minimal human intervention so the next necessary measures such as isolation and treatment can be done promptly," TM said.

It said with IoT capabilities from the OIP, contact tracing can be successfully achieved as data and information captured from individuals with high fever can be dispersed in real-time to the relevant authorities for planning and emergency response purposes.

TM R&D chief executive officer Dr. Sharlene Thiagarajah said the company is confident that this EWAR solution would greatly help in the early detection of high or abnormal temperatures in crowds.

"As the solution is non-intrusive, it can easily be deployed in offices, shopping complexes, transportation hubs, universities, schools, tourist attractions, airports, immigration centres, hospitals, in fact almost any locations with foot traffic.

"We believe that the development of this EWAR is timely and with its easy implementation, we will be able to greatly assist in curbing infectious viruses such as COVID-19 and ultimately win the battle,” she added.

Interested organisations and individuals may contact business@tmrnd.com.my, while more information about TM R&D and its products and services is available at www.tmrnd.com.my.

SOURCE: BERNAMA

Pra-tempahan 3 Produk HUAWEI: Siri P40, MatePad Pro, dan Watch GT 2e Dalam Talian Mulai 3 April

HUAWEI

Pengguna di Malaysia kini tidak perlu lagi beratur panjang atau berebut-rebut untuk membeli dan memiliki produk model HUAWEI, apabila setiap kali ada pelancaran produk baharu.

Ini berikutan HUAWEI yang sentiasa peka dengan kehendak pengguna dan memenuhi trend semasa, menawarkan pengguna pembelian secara pra-pesanan untuk membeli produk yang telah diperkenalkan ini.

Terkini, HUAWEI baru sahaja berjaya melancarkan HUAWEI Siri P40, HUAWEI MatePad Pro, dan HUAWEI Watch GT 2e di Malaysia.

Buat peminat setia produk keluaran HUAWEI pasti tidak sabar untuk memiliki produk itu.

Justeru, segeralah buat tempahan awal dan dapatkan pelbagai ganjaran menarik ditawarkan.

Banyak hal menarik yang perlu diketahui dan dikongsikan dengan anda bagi memiliki ketiga-tiga produk berkenaan.

HUAWEI Siri P40 - Best in Photography dan Best in Connectivity

Kedua-dua ciri berkenaan mencerminkan yang paling hebat dalam fotografi telefon pintar dan terbaik dalam kesalinghubungan. Kedua-dua produk hebat ini berharga RM2,799 (P40) dan RM3,899 (P40 Pro).

Tersedia di Malaysia dan Brunei, siri telefon pintar utama terbaharu oleh HUAWEI ini boleh didapati dalam warna Deep Sea Blue, Blush Gold, dan Silver Frost.

Mereka yang buat pra-pesanan siri P40 kini akan dapat menikmati hadiah percuma bernilai lebih daripada RM1,300, termasuk HUAWEI Freebuds 3, cloud storage 50GB, jaminan selama 1 tahun, perlindungan skrin 1 bulan, langganan 3 bulan percuma HUAWEI Video, kes caj tanpa wayar (untuk P40 ), dan supercharger kereta tanpa wayar.

HUAWEI MatePad Pro - Tablet yang anda tidak boleh hidup tanpa


Anda tidak boleh hidup tanpa MatePad Pro sebaik sahaja anda mencubanya. Harganya, RM2,399 (8GB RAM + 256GB ROM + edisi WiFi) dan tablet super ini tersedia dalam warna Midnight Grey dan Pearl White.

Pelanggan yang membuat pesanan sekarang layak mendapat hadiah bernilai RM1,000 yang termasuk papan kekunci, M-Pen, dan langganan percuma HUAWEI 3 bulan.

HUAWEI Watch GT 2e - Direka untuk yang muda dan bergaya


HUAWEI Watch GT 2e aksesori bergaya dan pilihan paling tepat untuk generasi muda. Dengan 100 mod latihan dan ciri penjejakan kesihatan yang telah ditingkatkan, Watch GT 2e memberikan anda hayat bateri selama dua minggu. Harganya adalah RM599 dan jam tangan ini terdapat dalam warna Mint Green dan Graphite Black.

Pra-tempah sekarang dan dapatkan tali jam percuma bernilai RM68.

HUAWEI AppGallery - Dilengkapi kebanyakan aplikasi yang paling sering digunakan para pengguna Malaysia


Anda pasti tidak menyesal memiliki AppGallery HUAWEI. Ini kerana ia kini mengandungi lebih daripada 90% aplikasi yang paling kerap digunakan oleh rakyat Malaysia, seperti Facebook, WhatsApp, WeChat, Netflix, Instagram, TikTok, Lazada, dan banyak lagi.

App Gallery juga selamat kerana ia diperkuat dengan empat lapisan perlindungan yang telah disahkan oleh piawaian industri tertinggi.

Bagi siri P40 dan MatePad Pro, pengguna boleh dapat ganjaran ahli sehingga RM2381.

Untuk maklumat lanjut, layari https://consumer.huawei.com/en/mobileservices/appgallery/


Tempoh Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) pasti membuatkan anda mempunyai banyak masa terluang. Jangan risau tidak tahu hendak buat apa kerana kini HUAWEI Malaysia menawarkan akses premium percuma 3 bulan kepada semua pengguna siri P40 dan pengguna MatePad Pro.

Bukan itu sahaja, semua pengguna HUAWEI yang sedia ada di Malaysia juga boleh menikmati akses premium percuma selama 1 bulan dalam tempoh PKP.

HUAWEI Care 2020 - Sentiasa di sini untuk anda


Prihatin terhadap para penggunanya, HUAWEI Care 2020 merangkumi tiga set perkhidmatan selepas jualan, yang ditetapkan untuk menjamin ketenangan fikiran, iaitu;

- Perkhidmatan Satu Halangan Luar Biasa, HUAWEI menawarkan perkhidmatan pembaikan selama satu jam untuk pengguna HUAWEI.

- Perkhidmatan Nilai Tambahan kepada rakyat Malaysia dalam bentuk penggantian skrin satu kali, jaminan tempoh satu tahun dan program Hari Perkhidmatan HUAWEI bulanan, yang merangkumi perkhidmatan profesional untuk perusahaan.

- O2O, yang juga dikenali sebagai perkhidmatan dalam talian ke luar talian, khidmat pengambilan dan penghantaran berasaskan AI, berasaskan, dalam talian dan luar talian yang berkuasa AI. Ia membolehkan pelanggan membuat pembelian atau mendapatkan peranti mereka dibaiki atau diservis, tanpa meninggalkan rumah mereka.

Pra-tempahan untuk HUAWEI Siri P40, MatePad Pro Wifi edisi, dan GT 2e bermula hari ini, 3 April pada jam 10.08 pagi, dan penghantaran akan bermula dari 11 April dan seterusnya.

Ketahui di mana anda boleh meletakkan pra-pesanan anda sekarang. Cepat, sementara stok ada!

Buat pra-pesanan anda di bawah platform yang disyorkan oleh HUAWEI Malaysia: -

HUAWEI Malaysia’s Online Platforms

HUAWEI Online Shop

HUAWEI Flagship Lazada store

HUAWEI Malaysia’s Partners

Celcom Store - Pre-Orders for P40 https://shop.celcom.com.my/device-detail/huawei-p40

Celcom Store - Pre-Orders for P40 Pro https://shop.celcom.com.my/device-detail/huawei-p40-pro

Senheng https://bit.ly/2xIl6xe

SenQ https://bit.ly/2xDg8lG

Pilih kedai pilihan anda dari lokasi di seluruh negara:

Kedah

-Amanjaya Mall https://bit.ly/2UtZKN5

-Alor Setar Mall https://bit.ly/3bEEJVI

-Landmark Central Shopping https://bit.ly/344KHNi

-No 50, Persiaran Mutiara https://bit.ly/348GYOR

-Central Square https://bit.ly/2ULHNbS

-Aman Central https://bit.ly/2QZ56ho

Pulau Pinang

-Plaza Gurney https://bit.ly/39oKLII

-Sunway Carnival Mall https://bit.ly/3awUqye

-Queensbay Mall https://bit.ly/2WWbw4s

-L3-15, Terminal Pengangkutan Penang Sentral https://bit.ly/2wFN9xx

-Aeon Mall Bukit Mertajam https://bit.ly/2xzy3cP

-Gurney Paragon Mall https://bit.ly/3aC0bLe

-Prangin Mall https://bit.ly/2QXyxjQ

-Kompleks Bukit Jambul https://bit.ly/2JoQPGn

-Sunway Perdana https://bit.ly/3dJkXKv

-2-11, Second Floor, No 182, Jalan Magazine https://bit.ly/2UQXyhA

-Kompleks Megamall Penang Jmb https://bit.ly/2UvCi21

Perak

-Aeon Mall Kinta City https://bit.ly/2QUiL9m

-Ipoh Paradehttps://bit.ly/3bBnIfc

-Angsana Mallhttps://bit.ly/2QYLZ75

-Taiping Mallhttps://bit.ly/3dFmuRW

-Taiping Sentralhttps://bit.ly/2QUZ0hN

-No 58, Jalan Chong Ah Peng https://bit.ly/2V1WUhJ

-137, Pusat Perniagaan Manjung https://bit.ly/3awdrk9

Selangor

-Subang Parade https://bit.ly/2QXFykI

-Sunway Pyramid https://bit.ly/2WWbBoM

-1 Utama Shopping Centre https://bit.ly/33WtG7O

-Paradigm Mall Kl https://bit.ly/2UysiFz

-Sungai Buloh Mall https://bit.ly/2QUZa8 T

-Mines Shopping Fair https://bit.ly/3ayjtRt

-Aeon Rawang Shopping Centre https://bit.ly/3bEylxY

-Rawang Walk https://bit.ly/3bCG7YZ

-Plaza Metro Kajang https://bit.ly/2ydFXZF

-The Starling https://bit.ly/2Jo73jh

-IoI Mall https://bit.ly/3awUuhs

-Central I-City https://bit.ly/2QUiB1K

-Selayang Mall https://bit.ly/2QZQAG3

-No.69, Jalan Ss15/4b https://bit.ly/2QUZ5C7

-Jalan Avenue 1a, Bandar Kajang https://bit.ly/2wFMT1x

-3 Damansara Mall https://bit.ly/3awUnCy

-The Summit Usj https://bit.ly/2wFIlbu

-Digital Mall https://bit.ly/39rIVXD

-Aeon Bukit Raja Shopping Centre https://bit.ly/2xGpHQz

-Klang Parade https://bit.ly/2QZYnnj

-90, Lebuh Tapah, Off Jalan Goh Hock Huat https://bit.ly/2UvsUeU

-Aeon Bukit Tinggi Shopping Centre https://bit.ly/39BH2I1

-Aeon Taman Maluri Shopping Centre https://bit.ly/2UOdQrJ

Kuala Lumpur

-Kompleks Sogo https://bit.ly/2WWIIco

-Kl Eco City Mall https://bit.ly/3dFmvoY

-0-L2-42, Jalan Manis 6 https://bit.ly/39BGXnH

-Eko Cheras Mall https://bit.ly/2JnSAm

-Mid Valley City https://bit.ly/344KGZK

-13-G, 3rd Mile Square 151 https://bit.ly/344KGJe

-Menara PGRM Tower 1 https://bit.ly/2UPshvK

-Nu Sentral Mall https://bit.ly/2UOdMrZ

-Pandan Capital Shopping Complex https://bit.ly/3bBMtIc

-Wangsa Walk Mall https://bit.ly/2UtoMMk

-Melawati Mall https://bit.ly/3dH48Ac

-Low Yat Plaza-1st Floor https://bit.ly/2JszGM4

-Setapak Central https://bit.ly/2JtGYiC

-Pavillion Kuala Lumpur https://bit.ly/3bEEM3Q

-Low Yat Plaza-G Floor https://bit.ly/2vXpRCG

-Sunway Velocity Mall https://bit.ly/3ayjqFh

-Berjaya Times Square https://bit.ly/2xwKztD

-Alamanda Shopping Centre https://bit.ly/3atTkDu

-Pertama Complex https://bit.ly/39x5gmC

-Suria KLCC https://bit.ly/3avuwLp

-MyTown Shopping Centre https://bit.ly/2wOHXax

-The Garden Mall https://bit.ly/2X2woaB

-IOI City Mall https://bit.ly/2UND6yh

Melaka

-Aeon Bandaraya Melaka Shopping Centre https://bit.ly/2WVfSsL

-Mahkota Parade https://bit.ly/2xFelw8

Negeri Sembilan

-Terminal One https://bit.ly/2ymWP0f

-Aeon Mall Nilai https://bit.ly/3bH441x

Johor

-The Mall Midvalley Southkey https://bit.ly/2Jx56kl

-Sutera Mall https://bit.ly/2ULNQgJ

-No 44, Jalan Sisi https://bit.ly/2URFSCL

-Giant Hypermarket Plentong https://bit.ly/341Kt9I

-Aeon Bukit Indah Shopping Centre https://bit.ly/2X78mv9

-Aeon Mall Kulaijaya https://bit.ly/33ZwBfO

-Aeon Permas Jaya https://bit.ly/2wQqUVp

-Aeon Dato Onn https://bit.ly/2xxCHrZ

-Ksl City https://bit.ly/39uYlu7

-Today Market https://bit.ly/3axmB03

-City Square https://bit.ly/2yjCeK9

-R&F Mall https://bit.ly/2WZKs4r

-Holiday Plaza https://bit.ly/2URFLHl

-Kluang Parade https://bit.ly/3dGQDAe

-No.39, Jalan Molek 1/5a https://bit.ly/3aHFugA

-Aeon Tebrau City https://bit.ly/2xDs6vm

-Toppen Shopping Centre https://bit.ly/2wQqUon

-Paradigm Mall JB, 3f-47 https://bit.ly/2WVft9J

-Paradigm Mall JB, 3f-06 https://bit.ly/2WW539Z

-Kluang Mall https://bit.ly/2yeF3fs

-Batu Pahat Mall https://bit.ly/2ymWQ4j

-No.12, Jalan Persiaran Flora Utama https://bit.ly/3bH5FV8

Pahang

-B12, Ground Floor, Jalan Haji Ahmad 10 https://bit.ly/2wvfxgv

-Kuantan City Mall https://bit.ly/39stxdh

-Kuantan Parade https://bit.ly/3aujgoi

Kelantan

-KB Mall https://bit.ly/39BH1DX

-Aeon Mall Kelantan https://bit.ly/3bxxAqe

-Lot 490 & Lot 492 , Seksyen 13 , Jalan Sultan Ibrahim https://bit.ly/3dMRgsn

Sabah

-Financial Park Labuan Complex https://bit.ly/2QYLM3N

-Yuk Yin Shopping Complex https://bit.ly/2wPcnJM

-Imago Shopping Mall https://bit.ly/2WX1y34

-Fajar Centre https://bit.ly/3bPfTTt

-Centre Point Sabah https://bit.ly/2wSpc5U

-1Borneo Hypermall https://bit.ly/3awv1oq

-Kompleks Karamunsing https://bit.ly/2QVXjRk

-Suria Sabah Shopping Mall https://bit.ly/39sR0LG

-Harbour Mall Sandakan https://bit.ly/2ymWOtd

Sarawak

-Aeon Mall Kuching Central https://bit.ly/2X78mLF

-The Spring Shopping Mall https://bit.ly/2WUYp3C

-The Spring Bintulu https://bit.ly/39oKLsc

-Viva City Megamall https://bit.ly/2w0ZbBb

-CityONE Megamall https://bit.ly/2WWIIsU

-Parkcity Mall https://bit.ly/2wQqTRl

-Bintang Megamall https://bit.ly/39BxooM

-Star Mega Mall https://bit.ly/2wOKH7O

Untuk keterangan lanjut lawati laman web HUAWEI Online Store.

Innovation, Think Outside The Box Required To Endure Prolonged Crisis

Innovation, coupled with a radical departure from contemporary thinking, is required with a possible reality of a prolonged crisis becoming the new reality that people and companies must function through.

Malaysia Global  Business Forum founding chairman Nordin Abdullah said innovation and resilience from all stakeholders will be required to shape a positive and sustainable future. 

He said if workers and corporations alike were concerned about their shared financial realities, they would have to continue to adapt to the changing conditions during times of crisis to ensure production flows.

"A proposed solution could be the designation of “Strategic Production Zones” in various locations around the country. Industrial zones that were also “green zones” confirmed COVID-19-free and able to have managed flows of human capital together with production flows," he said in a statement today.

A quick checklist of key components of what these zones would require, include but not limited to the following; close proximity to a port or airport, temporary onsite accommodation or centralised accommodation, medical screening facilities, additional onsite medical support, and central kitchens to ensure availability of food, he added.

In addition, Nordin said applying the concept of Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO), which is used in the mining and energy sectors to allow workers to be on site for a period of time and then flown out while being replaced by other workers.

This method would allow the expansion of production beyond the current highly critical food and medical supplies, he added.

"Can the concept of “Strategic Production Zones” be applied to the current situation considering the country’s current capabilities? 

"The police and armed forces have cordoned off various “red zones” and various agencies have ensured that those in the affected areas receive food and medical attention," he said.

At the same time, several risks have become accepted norms, including the movement of cargo overland and by air, reduced and registered workforce in critical industries, operation of the banking sector, and the controlled movement of the population to purchase food, to name a few.

Nordin said these combined factors leave space for the discussion between stakeholders for expanded production during this time.

He pointed out that while many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have their heads on the cutting block, some of the larger corporations will not be far behind if supply chains and the related ecosystems grind to a halt.  

"Supply chains are complex and this crisis has been a strict task master in the lessons of interrelatedness of local and international supply chains. While we attempt to flatten the COVID-19 infection curve we can’t ignore the steep learning curve has not changed," he said.

Corporations that are chomping at the bit to return to partial or full production need to remember that at any level, a sustainable business model requires customers to remain alive to continue to buy goods and services well into the future, he said.

"On the flip side of the same coin, at this time it’s important to remember that public health is a luxury that is only made possible by a functioning economy," he said.

SOURCE: BERNAMA

Malaysia: Economic Growth To Improve Gradually In 2H20 - BNM

Malaysia foresees economic growth for the second half of the year to improve gradually, boosted mainly by the overnight policy rate (OPR) and the continuation of large-scale infrastructure projects, Bank Negara governor Datuk Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus said.

According to her, the continuation of projects such as Mass Rapid Transit 2, Light Rail Transit 3 and Pan Borneo Highway would lift this year's gross domestic product growth by one percentage point (+1.0 ppt).

“As the COVID-19 continue to evolve, the restriction will continue in several countries including advanced economies and operation shut down will continue to dampen external demand for export. But in the second half, it is expected to recover.

“The substantial fiscal and OPR will contribute to growth,” she told reporters in Bank Negara's first virtual press conference that was carried live by Bernama TV today.

Nor Shamsiah noted that growth would likely to go down to between -2 to 0.5 per cent for 2020, due to the ongoing COVID-19 which had claimed the lives of over 51,000 people throughout the world while about 208,000 patients recovered.

The pandemic had caused weak global demand, supply chain disruptions and travel restrictions among others.

The central bank governor said economic growth would continue to be challenging throughout the world this year with the International Monetary Fund predicted the world economy to contract at the rate worst than the 2009 global financial crisis.

Also during the BNM annual report briefing, economic and monetary review and financial stability review, she said the central bank expects continued supply disruption with respect to the oil palm production as well as in the oil and gas sector.

In the first half of 2020, the economy would be rather weak but thanks to the government’s stimulus package coupled with the ongoing infrastructure projects, the BNM is optimistic of some improvement towards the later part of the year.

On the labour market outlook, Nor Shamsiah said the COVID-19 scenario would likely result in weaker labour market conditions with unemployment rate to go up from 3.3 per cent in 2019

However, the introduction of stimulus measures by the government has partially offset the negative impacts of the virus by safeguarding jobs, mitigating income losses and easing cash flow of firms.

Echoing this, deputy governor Shaik Abdul Rasheed Abdul Ghaffour said the labour market is expected to be considerably weaker and the central bank expects the unemployment rate to increase to about four per cent.

“In comparison, during the world financial crisis, our unemployment rate was at 3.7 per cent while during the Asian financial crisis in 1998 our unemployment rate was at 3.2 per cent. The stimulus package is intended to assist the worker, the household and the businesses, to go through this difficult period,” he said.

-BERNAMA/ 3 APRIL 2020