MORE than 150,000 jobs are on the line due to impact of the conditional movement-control order (CMCO) while the government is involved in intense politicking to stay in power, said M. Kula Segaran.

The Ipoh Barat MP, who is also DAP vice-chairman, said more than 51,000 retail stores nationwide are expected to shutter within the next four to five months due to the initial impact of the CMCO and businesses shifting towards e-commerce to save costs.

Those involved in the retail industry and tourism sector stand to be affected the most, this after the 1Utama shopping mall in Selangor had to close temporarily since its front-line workers were infected.

The closure could result in loss of jobs because of low sales coupled with the psychological fear of customers patronising the mall.

The former human resources minister said the retail sector could face systemic contraction over a period of time since it is linked to the tourism industry, which has suffered the most from the Covid-19 crisis.

“This could directly translate to loss of jobs for more than 150,000 workers.

“The current federal government, due to intense politicking, has failed to come up with a coherent and effective strategy to save those industries.”

Kula urged Putrajaya to engage with industries and ascertain the type of assistance they need, such as relief measure, wage subsidies and extending the loan moratorium for another six months.

“Increase the wage subsidies that are currently inadequate because they don’t cover a broad spectrum of businesses.

“The loan moratorium should be extended for six months and at the same time, employers must play their part to upskill and reskill their employees instead of letting them go.”

Last week, the government reintroduced the CMCO for Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya as well as Sabah and Labuan

The decision was made after a sudden increase of positive Covid-19 cases in the areas.

Yesterday, Malaysia reported a record-breaking 871 Covid-19 cases, just a day after recording 869 cases. – October 19, 2020.