THE government has given a guarantee that it will protect and assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the people if there is an economic impact from the rise in Covid-19 cases in China, Minister of Economy Rafizi Ramli said.

According to Rafizi, as China is the second largest economy in the world, the hike in Covid-19 cases must be monitored because it will have an effect on a trading partner like Malaysia.

“This matter has been monitored at the ministerial (economy) level over the past two years and the experience throughout (will be used) for improvements, efforts and actions to reduce the (economic impact) to Malaysia,” he said.

China will reportedly reopen its borders on January 8 after nearly three years of closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but has sparked global concern with a sharp rise in cases recently.

Meanwhile, Rafizi, said accepting an invitation to the Umno general assembly will be a collective decision by the party.

“Let us not jump the gun. If we are invited, the process is that the matter will be brought to the political bureau for a decision. I am currently waiting if it (the invitation) has been officially sent,” he said. – Bernama, December 31, 2022.