TURN hobbies into businesses or produce food and other products from home that can earn money, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad advised Malaysians who have lost their jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said Malaysians have to look for other ways to earn a living.

“They can produce food or some products. They can also look at turning their hobbies into businesses.

“Then they will be able to get some money as some have lost their original income,” he said on the MyPerintis Facebook Live today.

He said people will have to stop work because there is no demand.

“They (employers) cannot employ people and keep paying them a salary and while they are not making any money.

“For example, they (airlines) have stopped flying so there are no earnings. So how are they going to pay?

“So, everybody must accept that the level of income for many people, including the big industries, have to come down because the demand is not there.”

Dr Mahathir also urged the people to look into doing businesses online. 

“The whole business style is going to completely change. They can do it online.

“So, it’s going to be different as more businesses will be buying and selling things online.”

Many are already making use of online marketing, such as Lazada, Shopee. 

“Not many people know how to make use of this (platform). So, there must be instructions on how people can do online marketing and improve their productivity. This all can be taught online.”

Malaysians can look at other avenues like delivery and see whether they can participate or not. 

“If they have their own car maybe they provide delivery in their own area. If they have time, they can produce food.

“Charitable organisations will need food so people can cook for them and they can deliver.”

He said because of the pandemic, they need to see what new jobs are needed and can be created. – April 6, 2020.