Government-linked companies (GLCs) have to-date donated about RM60 million in the form of medicine, medical equipment and personal protective equipment to the Ministry of Health (MOH).
The corporate sector is encouraged to emulate the generosity of GLCs in assisting national efforts to combat the COVID-19 outbreak, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz said.
“The government welcomes the generosity of Malaysians, both the rakyat and the corporate sector, in contributing and donating towards addressing the COVID-19 outbreak,” he said in a statement today.
In this regard, the Finance Ministry (MOF) has approved a tax deduction for contributions and donations in cash and in kind by individuals and corporates to the COVID-19 Fund and the MOH, he said.
Tengku Zafrul also said that preparations for the Second Economic Stimulus Package are underway and will take into account various stakeholders’ feedback to ensure the rakyat’s well-being, sustainability of private sector companies and the nation’s economic resilience in facing the challenges of COVID-19 and global uncertainties.
This would be in addition to the RM20 billion stimulus package announced in February.
The public is also invited to provide feedback and ideas for the upcoming economic stimulus package through the official MOF portal at a http://pre2020.treasury.gov.my, he added.
He said a number of initiatives announced in February are progressing smoothly.
Among them are service tax exemption for hotels effective March 1 and restructuring and rescheduling of loans by financial institutions for impacted borrowers, especially small and medium enterprises and B40 individuals. A soft loan fund worth RM3.3 billion has been provided by Bank Negara Malaysia.
In addition, key measures planned to take effect on April 1 are on schedule for implementation.
“These include the proposed deferment of monthly income tax instalments for the tourism industry, the reduction in the Employees Provident Fund employee contribution and the discount on electricity.
“Up to March 23, 2020, a total of RM1.7 billion has been disbursed to relevant ministries and agencies, out of the total PRE2020 (Extra Economic Stimulus Package) direct government allocation of RM3.2 billion.”
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Mar 23 2020
TENGKU ZAFRUL: The government welcomes the generosity of Malaysians, both the rakyat and the corporate sector, in contributing and donating towards addressing the COVID-19 outbreak. - File photo
Public flips car involved in road accident to rescue child
According to JBPM, members of the public at the scene took initial action to rescue the victim before the fire brigade arrived.
Ramsay reveals hundreds of lucky cat statues stolen from new restaurant
Gordon Ramsay says about 477 Japanese cat models called maneki-neko were stolen from his Lucky Cat 22 Bishopsgate restaurant.
Zayn Rayyan case: Two child witnesses complete testimony today
So far, 20 prosecution witnesses, including the two children, have been called for this trial, according to the Deputy Public Prosecutor.
Macron says he will tell Trump not to be weak with Putin in Washington visit
Emmanuel Macron says showing any weakness to Russia's Vladimir Putin would make it harder to deal with China and Iran.
Israeli PM Netanyahu says Hamas will pay for not returning Shiri Bibas
Netanyahu accuse Hamas of acting "in an unspeakably cynical manner" by placing body of a Gaza woman in the coffin instead of Shiri Bibas.
Trump pulls US out of key global climate assessment, sources say
The US is a co-chair along with Malaysia of a working group on climate mitigation, or ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Japan to court Tesla on Nissan investment, FT reports
The group hopes Tesla will invest strategically, believing it's interested in acquiring Nissan's US plants, the report says.
185 children linked to GISB handed over to families - Exco
The children have been handed over to their families on bond with conditions by the court.
IRS fires 6,000 employees as Trump slashes US government
The move will eliminate roughly 6% of the agency's workforce in the midst of the busy tax-filing season.
Elon Musk wields chainsaw at conservative gathering, a gift from Argentina's Milei
This is the chainsaw for bureaucracy, says Elon Musk.
![[OPINION] For never again the world must know more about the Khojaly genocide](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2025-02/41740112820_KhazarUniversity.jpg "[OPINION] For never again the world must know more about the Khojaly genocide")
[OPINION] For never again the world must know more about the Khojaly genocide
For Azerbaijanis, the Khojaly genocide is more than a historical event - it is a collective trauma that shapes their identity and worldview.
Israeli military says body released by Hamas is not of a hostage
Two bodies were identified as infants, but a third, believed to be their mother, Shiri, didn't match any hostage and remains unidentified.
Key takeaways from Trump-Putin talks: Ukraine, energy, NATO, sanctions
Here's what is known so far about what was discussed.
![[COLUMNIST] Whose rights? Islam, eurocentrism and the limits of human rights](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-09/41726025526_UnitedNations.jpg "[COLUMNIST] Whose rights? Islam, eurocentrism and the limits of human rights")
[COLUMNIST] Whose rights? Islam, eurocentrism and the limits of human rights
For as long as rights are understood on Occidental terms, problems would inevitably remain. What is needed is an appreciation of diversity.
Argentina court clears 3 accused in singer Liam Payne's death
The court upheld the pre-trial detention of a hotel employee and a restaurant waiter held since last month.
Spanish ex-soccer boss Rubiales sentenced to pay fine over kiss without consent
Court also acquits Luis Rubiales' three co-defendants accused of attempting to coerce Jenni Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual.
King’s health significantly improved after treatment - PM
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he had the opportunity to seek an audience with the King twice during his official visit to Bahrain.
Why Trump wants the US Department of Education shut down
The vast majority of US children attend the country's free public schools, which are a big employer and economic engine.
How did a jet flip upside down on a Toronto runway and everyone survive?
Here is what we know about this accident and similar crashes.
TIMELINE - Trump's remarks on plan to take over Gaza, displace Palestinians
The plan has been condemned globally, with Palestinians, Arab nations and rights experts saying it was tantamount to "ethnic cleansing."