THE Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has called on Putrajaya to exempt the manufacturing sector from the movement control order to ensure business continuity and support for the economy.

Federation president Soh Thian Lai said the FMM had submitted a list of essential goods to be exempted from the order.

The trade body views the restriction of movement imposed on all private companies, excluding the essential services as too drastic.

“Factories producing essential goods, including those supporting the supply chain of goods and services as well as companies with export order commitments, will have to continue as a total shutdown of operations will have a very damaging effect on businesses as well as the economy,” he said in a statement today.

Soh added the FMM has told members to continue ramping up production of critical goods – such as food items, face masks, sanitisers, disinfectant, pharmaceutical, medical devices and personal protective equipment – to support the government in the fight against Covid-19.

Soh said all manufacturers will adopt safety and health procedures, regulate smaller work groups to minimise contact among employees and adopt minimum safe distancing between production staff of one metre.

Manufacturers will also allow non-essential staff to work from home; cut down long hours of work including overtime; and submit a list of employees required to be at the workplace to the National Security Council.

It has also urged Putrajaya to double funding under the 2020 Economic Stimulus Package to RM40 billion in view of the escalation of the current situation and businesses affected.

“The FMM strongly believes it is the collective action of all that is most critical in ensuring the situation does not escalate further and impact the economy,” Soh said.

“The FMM is doing its part in supporting the fight against Covid-19 and pledges a contribution of RM50,000 in kind to Sungai Buloh Hospital,” he added. – March 17, 2020.