The Dewan Negara yesterday approved the Temporary Measures for Reducing the Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Bill 2020 which seeks to support the government’s initiatives to restore the country’s economy via the Prihatin Rakyat Economic Stimulus Package and National Economic Recovery Plan (PENJANA).

The Bill tabled by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Shabudin Yahaya received the support of the majority of the senate members and was passed after the third reading.

In winding up the debate on the Bill, Shabudin said no bankruptcy action was taken against any individual during the period when the country was hit by COVID-19.

“This is because the period was termed a freeze period. Even the banks did not take any action, and in such a situation we hope this can ease the burden of those who were affected," he said.

The Bill seeks to modify 16 legislations, among them, the Limitation Act 1953; the Sabah Limitation Ordinance; the Sarawak Limitation Ordinance; the Public Authorities Protection Act 1948; the Insolvency Act 1967; the Hire-Purchase Act 1967 and the Consumer Protection Act 1999.

Meanwhile the Insolvency (Amendment) Bill 2020 to amend the minimum debt threshold required before a bankruptcy can be filed, was also passed in the Dewan Negara yesterday.

The amendment allows the minimum debt threshold to be increased from RM50,000 to RM100,000, thus making it more responsive and comprehensive towards the requirements and current issues related to insolvency.

Shabudin when tabling the Bill said, Act 360 was amended based on certain requirements including transforming existing legal framework into legislation that is more relevant to current needs.

He said it was also to update the Act to be in line with the development and advancement of international law on insolvency, corporate governance and best practices in insolvency.

During the winding up session of the Bill, Shabudin said according to a bankruptcy threshold study, the total number of bankruptcy cases registered in 2016 was 19,588 cases; 18,227 cases (2017); 16,482 cases (2018); 12,051 cases (2019), while for the period January to July this year 4,151 cases were recorded.

“We hope that with the implementation of the RM100,000 threshold, the number of bankruptcy cases will be reduced further," he said.

The Senate sitting continues today.

--BERNAMA