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August 2020 | Volume 2/2020 | www.penerangan.gov.my
COVER STORY National Day Celebration to Have Elements of Rukun Negara, says minister FEATURE Courtesy and Morality for Social Wellbeing
FOCUS PEOPLE VOICE Merdeka 63rd : How Malaysian Theme and Logo Celebrate Merdeka Rational Day in RMCO EDITORIAL BOARD
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MULTIMEDIA
ADVISOR Roselindawati Abdul Rahman Director-General Department of Information Malaysia
CHIEF EDITOR Wan Azizah Wan Omar
EDITOR AND COORDINATOR Neily Syafiqah Mohamed Eusoff
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© All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or any means, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. TABLE OF CONTENTS
COVER STORY 4 NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION TO HAVE ELEMENTS OF RUKUN NEGARA, SAYS MINISTER
COVER STORY 5 HOLD FIRM TO RUKUN NEGARA TO MAKE MALAYSIA A PROSPEROUS NATION
FOCUS 6 MERDEKA 63RD : THEME AND LOGO RATIONAL
HIGHLIGHT 7 DON’T FLY DILAPIDATED FLAGS
HIGHLIGHT 8 MEASUREMENT AND TYPE OF FLAGS
HIGHLIGHT 11 THE ORDER OF FLAG PRIORITY
HIGHLIGHT 14 WAYS TO RESPECT THE FLAG
HIGHLIGHT 15 FLAG ON VEHICLES (CAR)
PEOPLE VOICE 16 HOW MALAYSIAN CELEBRATE MERDEKA DAY IN RMCO
FEATURE 18 COURTESY AND MORALITY FOR SOCIAL WELLBEING
FEATURE 20 50 YEARS ON, UNDERSTANDING OF RUKUN NEGARA STILL LACKING
INSPIRATION 22 MOVIES THAT DEFINES THE VERY CORE OF THE MALAYSIAN IDENTITY
ECONOMY 23 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRIHATIN RAKYAT ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE (PRIHATIN) AND NATIONAL ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN (PENJANA) – 14 JULY 2020
COUNSEL 29 SEEK HELP EARLY
COUNSEL 30 IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO MAKE A COMEBACK IN YOUR FINANCES! COVER STORY
NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION TO HAVE ELEMENTS OF RUKUN NEGARA, SAYS MINISTER
In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of For the long term, he said, the ministry Rukun Negara this year, the elements of proposed that the Rukun Negara Rukun Negara will be incorporated in the education programme be implemented events and activities of the National Day in schools, universities and other 2020 celebration, said Communications organisations. and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah. Saifuddin said although the Rukun Negara has been part of several subjects in school He said even though the form of the such as History and General Studies celebration post-COVID-19 has yet to be (Pengajian Am), it could be improved so finalised, the elements of Rukun Negara that students could fully embrace it. would be injected through the efforts of agencies under the ministry, particularly “Some schools even have their own the Malaysian National News Agency Rukun Negara club and others have (Bernama) and RTM. conducted programmes relating to Rukun Negara. So, we will be looking into this in “To put it briefly, we will be having the first detail,” he added. day cover for Rukun Negara, webinars, e-book and field programmes involving However, he said, the long-term the Information Department,” he said in programme would be placed under the a press conference after tabling his 100 jurisdiction of the National Unity Ministry. Days Report Card on 17 June 2020. “I have discussed this matter with the Saifuddin said inculcating the Rukun minister (Datuk Halimah Mohamed Negara elements within every Malaysian Sadique) and she already has some in formal and informal ways using various plans in mind,” he said. approaches and medium would be one of the key initiatives of the ministry’s action plan in the next six months. Source: Bernama
4 COVER STORY
HOLD FIRM TO Belief in RUKUN NEGARA God
TO MAKE MALAYSIA Courtesy Loyalty to and King and A PROSPEROUS Morality Country
NATION The Supremacy The Rule of the of Law Constitution
Malaysians from all walks of life must hold firm to the five principles of Rukun Negara in order to make Malaysia a prosperous, THE FIVE PRINCIPLES OF developed and competitive nation. RUKUN NEGARA
Some youth also opine that efforts must She said this to Bernama ahead of be taken to inculcate an appreciation for the Rukun Negara 50th anniversary and practice of the Rukun Negara as it is celebration on 9 July 2020 in conjunction key to the long-term unity of the people in with the Merdeka Month and National the country. Day 2020.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) graduate Trader Muhammad Fikri Ramlan, 19, said Sin Run Hui said every citizen not only besides being the foundation of unity in needs to know but also understand the the country, it also plays a pivotal role in meaning of every principle of the Rukun helping youth to develop a strong sense Negara which has managed to create of identity. awareness on the importance of unity among Malaysians after the 13 May 1969 “Appreciation of the principles of the incident. Rukun Negara will also help inculcate the spirit of patriotism and togetherness “Rukun Negara is very critical as a among all Malaysians,” he said. guideline for all Malaysians in holding us together, respecting one another as well Film crew M. Rajasuriah, 32, said holding as understanding the rule of law. true to the trust and vision embodied in the five principles of the Rukun Negara “As a Malaysian, I will always try to apply, will be able to instil the spirit of love for the appreciate and practice all the principles country and good values among youth. of Rukun Negara. Taking the fifth principle – courtesy and morality – as an example, “It is important to hold true to the principles I will avoid spreading fake news, slander of Rukun Negara as it is not only able or touching on sensitive issues and get preserve unity and harmony but also help involved in cyberbullying which are the country to reach its goal of becoming rampant these days,” she said recently. a developed nation,” he said.
Source: Bernama
5 FOCUS
In the spirit of the Merdeka day which is Merdeka 63rd : celebrated every year on 31st August, the government has chosen a memorable Theme and Logo theme and logo to provide an uplifting spirit, feeling of patriotism and help foster Rational national unity
Theme: Malaysia Prihatin (Malaysia Cares)
• The word ‘Malaysia’ carried the meaning 5 RED DOTS that every Malaysian is together with the government in combating the pandemic Symbolise the five (5) hibiscus petals which illustrate the five(5) principles of Rukun • In recognition of the caring, determined and Negara as the key to multiracial unity patient nature of Malaysians in facing the trials and tribulations posed by the COVID-19 pandemic
• The government’s caring nature in prioritising HIBISCUS the welfare of the people is shown through its STIGMA ‘Prihatin’ (economic stimulus package) initiative Lead the country LOGO towards victory
14-POINT STAR
Symbol of unity between 13 states and the federal government
CRESCENT 7 ENTWINE RED-WHITE STRIPE Islam as the official religion Symbolise the courage and loyalty of the people in facing the obstacles with sincerity and determination
THE COLOUR BLUE
Symbolise the unity of the multiracial HEART SHAPE SYMBOL Malaysians living in peace and harmony Multiracial society is the main concern of the Malaysian Government
6 HIGHLIGHT Don’t Fly Dilapidated Flags
Flags with washed out colors, torn and such like cannot be raised as they are considered dilapidated flags Such a flag raising demonstrates a DISRESPECT to the flag
Ways to Dispose Dilapidated Flags
CANNOT BE DUMPED INTO THE RIGHT WAY IS TO BURN THE GARBAGE BINS IN CLOSED AREAS AND NOT IN PUBLIC PLACES
7 HIGHLIGHT
MEASUREMENT AND TYPE OF FLAGS
STANDARD FLAG
• Raised at buildings, offices and residential homes
Length: 183 cm (6 feet)
Height of pole: Width: 610 cm 91.5 cm (3 feet)
HOME FLAG
• At homes and offices with poles of limited height
Length: 122 cm (4 feet)
Height of pole: Width: 305 cm (within 61 cm a building) (2 feet)
MEDIUM FLAG
• Cover of casket as a symbol of the nation’s respect
Length: 244 cm (8 feet)
Height of pole: Width: 915 cm 122 cm (4 feet)
8 HIGHLIGHT
BIG FLAG
• Malaysian embassies and high commissions in foreign countries
Length: 366 cm (12 feet) Height of pole: 1,220 cm Width: 183 cm (6 feet)
TABLE FLAG
• Suspended on mini flag poles placed on tables for conferences, seminars, meetings and signing ceremonies Height of pole: 40 cm Length: 30.50 cm (1 feet)
Width: 15.25 cm (0.5 feet)
CAR FLAG
• At the front of the middle, right or left side of a car Height of pole: 40 cm Length: 30.50 cm (1 feet)
Width: 15.25 cm (0.5 feet)
9 HIGHLIGHT
DAY AND TIME OF FLAG RAISING
7.00 A.M to 7.00 P.M
11 Normal working days
Federal and State 22 Schools Commemorative Days: 44 • The King’s Birthday • By the time the first class starts and lowered when • National Day the last class ends
• The King’s State Visits
Ferry and Vessel Buildings of the 55 • Raised all day 33 Federal Government:
• Normal working hours and raised overnight if the following day is the National Day or Public Holiday fixed for the raising of flags
10 HIGHLIGHT
THE ORDER OF FLAG PRIORITY
NORMAL DAYS AND FEDERAL COMMEMORATIVE DAYS
Order of two flag poles Order of three flag poles
STATE COMMEMORATIVE DAYS
Order of two flag poles Order of three flag poles
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
ENTRANCE
THE RAISING OF FEDERAL FLAG AND STATE FLAGS IN ONE LINE
14 12 10 8 6 4 2 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15
ENTRANCE
THE RAISING OF FEDERAL FLAG AND STATE FLAGS IN ONE LINE AND SENIORITY STARTS FROM THE CENTRE
11 HIGHLIGHT
13 11 9 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
THE RAISING OF FEDERAL FLAG AND STATE FLAGS BY SPLITTING INTO TWO
CONTINGENT
THE ORDER OF FLAG IN SPECIAL STAGE SPORT EVENTS
THE ORDER OF FLAGS IN A PARADE
HORIZONTALLY – The top part of the flag at the front
12 HIGHLIGHT
IN A LINE – at the front IN A ROW – at the centre or slight front
THE ORDER OF FLAGS IN A PARADE
STATE PRIVATE
TWO-CROSS THREE-CROSS Malaysian flag at the right Malaysian flag at the centre and at the top. and at the top State flag at the left, private flag at the right
THE ORDER OF FLAGS IN CROSS POSITIONS
HOUSE
BUILDING / SHOP
THE ORDER OF FLAGS AT BUILDINGS / SHOPS / HOUSES
13 HIGHLIGHT
WAYS TO RESPECT THE FLAG
AS A SYMBOL OF EMINENCE AND SOVEREIGNTY OF THE NATION Stand at attention with both palms straightened down. Men or women wearing hats or caps must remove them with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder
AS A SYMBOL OF MOURNING The flag should fly at half-staff. Occasions for mourning include: Demise of the King / Queen, Head of States / spouse and Prime Minister / Acting Prime Minister
AS A SYMBOL TO RESPECT THE DEPARTED Cover the coffin during the nation’s funeral ceremony for meritorious individuals such as Malaysian ambassadors who are deceased abroad, members of the army / police who die while on active duty
REMINDERS
Do not INSULT the flag by stepping, spitting and scribbling Do not LOWER THE on it or tearing it down DIGNITY of the flag by using it as table cloth, bath towel, wiping cloth, cushion cover, and so forth
Do not display or fly it No part of the flag should be used UPSIDE DOWN as it is commonly as a costume, except during the associated with the meaning of independence month celebration being ANTI or IN DISTRESS
Do not display or fly it UPWARD unless it is jointed in a large quantity (flag line)
14 HIGHLIGHT
FLAG ON VEHICLES (CAR)
INSTALLATION INSTALLATION FOR CERTAIN FOR THE PUBLIC DIGNITARIES
• Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di- Installation of car flags to show Pertuan Agong and Seri Paduka the love for the country and in Baginda Raja Permaisuri celebrating the Independence Agong (Personal Flag) Month can be done creatively at suitable positions of the car as long • Sultan / Raja / Yang di-Pertua as the placements of the flags do Negeri (Personal Flag) not risk the safety of the driver and road users • Foreign visitors with the status of Guest of the Country / Government (Personal Flags or Flags of Respective Countries)
• Foreign ambassadors or high commissioners to Malaysia (Flags of Respective Countries)
• Officials of the Malaysian Armed Forces and Royal Malaysian Police (Flags of the Malaysian Armed Forces or Royal Malaysian Police)
Source: Ceremonial and International Conference Secretariat Division, Prime Minister Office
15 PEOPLE VOICE
HOW MALAYSIAN CELEBRATE MERDEKA DAY IN RMCO
For this year, I guess it is better to remain in this Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) situation as I am still worry about the spread of COVID-19. I do not want another spike to happen to my beloved country. I can still celebrate at home and observe the special Merdeka day on my very own way.
I will proudly fly the Jalur Gemilang and the state flag, like I always do and pray for a better Malaysia. Happy Merdeka, guys! Feria Lee, Radio Producer, Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Independence Day is not something to be MISSED, so as Malaysians we should be proud of the independence anniversary. No need to leave the house nor face the masses, wave the flag near our homes, to show our passion and love for the country, as it is not a hindrance for Malaysians to celebrate Independence Day. Personally, I will fly the Jalur Gemilang flag and pray for Malaysia and our frontlines.
You fight! You win! Happy 63rd Independence Day! Farhan Zikri Ridwan, Medical Assistant, Putrajaya Hospital
I feel blessed and victory because we are experiencing new norm in celebrating this 63rd Independence Day and we are almost win to fight COVID-19 pandemic for now. Celebrating Merdeka Day in RMCO is a history for us and towards the other world which open up their eyes into Malaysia. We are not just winning in the battle of COVID-19 but we also win in our lifestyle to be the great Independence growing country.
For this year, I will go hiking in the morning with my friends by bringing along the Jalur Gemilang up to the hill and let it fly higher to the sky. Happy National Day! Efred Jakius, Assistant Immigration Officer, Kuala Lumpur International Airport
16 PEOPLE VOICE
I feel sad because we might not have Independence parade as usual. If the government plan to have the parade during this RMCO I think it will totally be different because it need to follow SOP with lesser crowd. It will not be as happening as before pandemic COVID-19 pandemic strike Malaysia.
However, celebrating Merdeka day in RMCO phase will not stop me from being unpatriotic, I will do activities related to Independence Day with family like drawing and colouring Jalur Gemilang together with my kids and having the story telling session with them as well. Happy Merdeka Day, my fellow Malaysians! Azureen Roslan, Admin, DISTED College
Of course, like so many other occasions these days, COVID-19 has affected the ways we can safely spend time together. By all means, the 63rd Independence Day festival will look a little different this year, but it can still be the one to remember. I feel like there is not a problem for us to celebrate as long as we keep on adhering to safe guidelines fixed by the Government or it is best if we can just minimise the celebration by celebrating with our family and relatives at home.
For me, I will keep the celebration small by spending time with immediate family for instance doing a video streaming to connect with loved ones near or far. It’s time to visit the museum again and some other historical places. Jovenia Jim, TV Personality, RTM Sabah
In my opinion, I feel very excited to celebrate Independence Day although in the RMCO phase because it is the only our national day which we have it once a year. I believe the Malaysia will fight for this COVID-19 pandemic and we can win because the number of affected cases is lesser now.
Moreover, there will be a restriction for us to celebrate the Merdeka Day but it does not stop me from celebrating it with my family at home doing some fun activities to kill the time. Darshaini Panner Selvam, Self-employed
17 FEATURE
COURTESY AND MORALITY FOR SOCIAL WELLBEING
By Mohamad Harith Mohamad Nizar
Placing a high value on good, polite, and right, honest and acceptable - and both ethical behaviours has been the practice elements require detailed observation. expected of every Malaysian citizen in accordance with the principles of the “For me, if we want to improve social Rukun Negara. wellbeing, courtesy must start at home with young children being taught about When someone or some groups crossed good and polite behaviours. the line and behaved in a rude, unkind, and discourteous manner, especially “In terms of morality, we must first on sensitive issues, it will surely cause and foremost emphasise on morals uneasiness and dissatisfaction among the and morality. Of course, it is closely people to the extent of wondering what associated with having good moral quality had happened to public morality today. and integrity,” he told Bernama ahead of the launch of the 50th Rukun Negara Indeed, one could never call oneself a anniversary celebration on 9 July 2020 in true Malaysian citizen without knowing, conjunction with the Merdeka Month and understanding, and observing Courtesy National Day 2020. and Morality, the fifth principle of Rukun Negara, introduced with the aim to Teo also stressed that leadership by maintain and preserve unity and harmony example is important in the effort to instil in this multi-racial and multi-religious good values among the people, while the country. educational curriculum plays an important role in promoting Courtesy and Morality. Obviously, the fifth principle emphasises the humanities aspect so that every citizen “...the elders should show courtesy and can respect and accept their differences good moral behaviour to be emulated by for the sake of social wellbeing, according the younger generation. to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA) Principal So, in a family, the parents must show Fellow Prof Datuk Dr Teo Kok Seong. their children how to behave in good and courteous manners, as well as having The efforts, he said were represented good morals in the context of morality,” by the two concepts - courtesy which he said, adding that teachers also have basically means having polite behaviour, a big role to play in this aspect, that is by and morality which is the quality of being showing good examples to their students.
18 FEATURE
...the elders should show courtesy and “ good moral behaviour to be emulated by the younger generation.
So, in a family, the parents must show their children how to behave in good and courteous manners, as well as having good morals in the context of morality. ” Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Malaysia people, is seen to be doing otherwise as (USM) School of Social Sciences it also facilitated the spread of ill-feelings lecturer, Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian in society. said the principle of Courtesy and Morality could also help build one’s character with “I think social media is one of the elements noble values. that should be used to maintain moral values, courtesy, but it should be done “Noble values stemmed from being properly to make sure we do not create courteous, polite and with morals, concern or anxiety. where the formation of one’s identity is based on how well can one reinforces “Some still hold on to the values his/her self-identity without compromising of courtesy and morality, but there are what one has learned and developed in some who feel they want to give their oneself. own interpretation of that values without agreeing to the values of the majority of “This means courtesy and morality also the society,” he said. shaped not only ourselves but also preserve our national identity,” he added. Apart from that, he said, if the fifth principle of Rukun Negara is not fully He also concurred with Teo on that the observed by the community, it would be agents responsible for instilling these like a body without soul and create a values in a person are family members society that would be too individualistic. and then, teachers in school. “Courtesy and Morality actually “The most powerful influence is actually require three main values, namely, the peers, then the agencies responsible, understanding, respect and acceptance. the media and also leaders, as agents If we can understand there are differences who should be the people’s role model,” in the society, we will respect, and then he added. accept the differences that exist and give priority to human values,” he added. Sivamurugan said the social media, which should be helping in the efforts to unite the Source: Bernama
19 FEATURE
By Shanika Abdullatib
50 Years on, Understanding of Rukun Negara Still Lacking
Most Malaysians are familiar with the Without practising it, the Rukun Negara Rukun Negara. Reciting the Rukun is merely a piece of document bereft of Negara is an integral part of the weekly meaning.” school assemblies, and who could possibly have missed the five principlesSHALLOW UNDERSTANDING that are dutifully printed on the back cover of every school exercise book? Principal fellow at the Institute of Malay World and Civilisation at Universiti Nearly 50 years have gone by since the Kebangsaan Malaysia Prof Datuk Dr Teo Rukun Negara was drawn up by the Kok Seong said it is not enough for the government and proclaimed by the fourth people to merely memorise and recite Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Ismail the Rukun Negara; instead, they must Nasiruddin Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan understand it and put it into practice in Zainal Abidin on 31 August 1970. their daily lives.
Malaysians may have committed the “To me, our society’s understanding of the five pillars of Rukun Negara to memory,Rukun Negara is still shallow and there’s but how many of them understand and little appreciation for it. appreciate the underlying significance and philosophy behind each tenet? “How can they appreciate it when it comes in a format where they only have Formulated after the racial riots of to memorise the five principles,” he said 13 May 1969, Rukun Negara was aimed in an interview with Bernama ahead of at forging racial unity and harmony among the launch of the celebrations to mark 50 the nation’s multiracial communities. years of Rukun Negara on 9 July 2020, as well as Merdeka Month and National Unfortunately, with the passage of time Day 2020. and the significance of the five pillars largely forgotten, the true spirit of Rukun Teo attributed the poor understanding Negara is probably lost on the people, of Rukun Negara to ongoing conflicts particularly the younger generation. over the national language and failure to uphold the supremacy of the Federal To stress the importance of embracing Constitution, as well as criticisms hurled the spirit of the five pillars, Second Prime at the institution of monarchy which, he Minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein once said, is an affront to the second pillar of said, “… the secret to perfecting the Rukun Negara namely Loyalty to King Rukun Negara is through its practice. and Country.
20 FEATURE
… the secret to perfecting the “ Rukun Negara is through its practice. Without practising it, the Rukun Negara is merely a piece of document bereft of meaning. ”
Pointing to Indonesia which has its own Malaysian Youth Council vice-president Pancasila (Five Principles) national Mohd Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid, meanwhile, philosophical policy – which is similar to opined that the Rukun Negara has helped the Rukun Negara – introduced in 1945, to guide Malaysians to build a progressive he said the Indonesians took the policy and harmonious nation. very seriously as it has enough substance to influence their daily lives. IN-DEPTH EXPLANATION
“Malaysia borrowed its (Indonesia’s) Concurring with Teo that the best way principles but the implementation has to enrich the people’s understanding been weak. The government created it of Rukun Negara is through education, (Rukun Negara) but left it to the people Mohd Izzat said they should be exposed to understand it themselves. There’s no to it from a young age. explanation with regard to (principles of) Rukun Negara,” he said. “Teaching about Rukun Negara shouldn’t be limited to just memorising its principles. PILLAR OF UNITY An in-depth explanation should be given, the level of which will depend on where In view of the Rukun Negara’s golden it is being taught – primary school, jubilee celebration this year, Teo secondary school or institution of higher hoped that the pillar of national unity learning,” he said. would strengthen further with a better understanding and appreciation of its He also said that Malaysians should principles among the people. assimilate the principles of Rukun Negara into their culture, instead of just reserving He suggested that the Academy of it for official functions. Nationhood, which was formerly under Biro Tatanegara or National Civics “Look at Indonesians who have a deep Bureau, be given the responsibility to appreciation of their Pancasila. Its create a special curriculum outlining the philosophies are depicted even in the philosophy behind the Rukun Negara. movies and cartoons they produce,” he added. He said this will enable the government to realise its aspiration to implement a Rukun Negara education programme in schools, Source: Bernama universities and other organisations.
21 INSPIRATION
MOVIES THAT DEFINES THE VERY CORE OF THE MALAYSIAN IDENTITY
By Neily Syafiqah Mohamed Eusoff
Following the 63rd Merdeka Day range of local movies to keep the celebration during the Recovery patriotic fire burning. Movement Control Order (RMCO), Malaysians can still be in the Plenty of options available for the celebratory mood through a line-up whole family:
SARJAN ADIWIRAKU THE JOURNEY 1957: HATI MALAYA HASSAN
MATINYA SEORANG PALOH SEPET BUKIT KEPONG PATRIOT
LEFTENAN EMBUN ADNAN BRAVO 5 OLA BOLA
PASKAL PREBET LAPOK DARAH SATRIA
KANANG ANAK TANDA PUTRA LANGKAU
22 ECONOMY
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRIHATIN RAKYAT ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE (PRIHATIN) AND NATIONAL ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN (PENJANA) – 14 JULY 2020
PRIHATIN OBJECTIVE 1: PROTECTING THE RAKYAT
Bantuan Prihatin Nasional or BPN 1 • As of 13 July 2020, the total number of disbursements for BPN was RM11.06 billion involving 10.4 million recipients • Meanwhile, for appeal cases involving a total group of 160,000 approved appellants (with an allocation of RM139 million), a total of RM121 million (141,000 recipients) has been successfully disbursed. The balance are credit failure recipients who are advised to go to BSN for the disbursement in cash
EPF i-Lestari programme 2 • As at 13 July 2020, a total of 4.43 million applications have been approved and the total cumulative withdrawal between April to July is RM5.37 billion • It should be noted that EPF savings, including Account 2 savings, are retirement savings for the future. The public are advised to utilise the free Retirement Advisory Service (RAS) provided by the EPF to facilitate savings planning. This free service is also open to the public including non-EPF members
Cash incentives to taxi drivers, tour guides, tour bus drivers 3 and school bus drivers. Up to 13 July 2020:
• Taxi Drivers: The Government has channelled assistance to 29,193 taxi drivers amounting to RM17.5 million for the first phase recipients. For the second phase recipients, payment is expected to be made on 17 July 2020 and will benefit5,000 drivers • Tour guides: For tour guides, a total of 7,484 tourist guides have received assistance amounting to RM4.5 million • Tour bus drivers: Payment to 3,104 for tour bus drivers will begin on 17 July 2020 and involves an allocation of RM2 million • School bus drivers: For additional initiative, namely assistance to school bus drivers which is estimated to involve 30,000 school bus drivers. The aid distribution process is expected to be completed in August 2020
23 ECONOMY
PRIHATIN OBJECTIVE 2: SUPPORTING BUSINESSES
4 Prihatin Special Grant (GKP) for micro SMEs • As at 13 July 2020, the total GKP disbursed was RM1.64 billion and this has benefited 545,000 Micro SMEs. This includes 22,148 approved appeals. Overall, the GKP disbursement rate is at 78% • For the balance of 52,744 recipients with credit failure status, one of the reasons for credit failure is inaccurate account information. For GKP recipients who have updated their bank account number, this payment is expected to be made on 20 July 2020
Wage Subsidy Programme 5 • The purpose of this programme is to assist employers affected by COVID-19 to continue with their regular operations following the crisis and prevent workers from losing their jobs and sources of income • As at 13 July 2020, RM7.79 billion had been approved which benefitted more than 2.53 million employees, while the total disbursement was RM6.82 billion which benefited 2.49 million employees
Wage Subsidy No of Approved amount* No of Allocation employees* (RM billion) employers* RM13.8 billon (million)
10 July 2020 7.79 313,644 2.53 3 July 2020 7.15 310,622 2.48 26 June 2020 7.07 307,518 2.46 19 June 2020 4.89 303,596 2.40 12 June 2020 4.08 295,265 2.31
5 June 2020 4.00 293,033 2.30 31 May 2020 3.22 286,338 2.20 17 May 2020 2.24 267,752 2.00 10 May 2020 2.10 258,165 1.90 3 May 2020 1.90 235,000 1.70 26 April 2020 1.35 195,000 1.50 19 April 2020 1.20 159,000 1.00
*Cumulative Figure
24 ECONOMY
EPF’s COVID-19 Assistance Program (e-CAP) for employers 6 • Up to 13 July 2020, a total of 39,323 applications had been received and 11,370 applications were approved, amounting to RM76.1 million in terms of employers’ contribution
EPF’s COVID-19 No of No of Amount Assistance Program applications applications approved* (e-CAP) for Employers received* approved * (RM million)
10 July 2020 39,323 11,370 76.1 3 July 2020 37,900 10,528 70.4 26 Jun 2020 36,107 9,542 63.9 19 Jun 2020 34,246 8,489 56.8 12 Jun 2020 31,400 7,194 47.9
5 Jun 2020 29,601 6,457 42.9 31 May 2020 26,509 5,245 34.8 17 May 2020 20,771 3,168 20.6 10 May 2020 13,690 2,032 13.4
*Cumulative Figure
SME Soft Loan Funds administered by Bank Negara Malaysia 7 • As at 13 July 2020, total financing that had been approved by local banks and officially accepted by SMEs is RM9.1 billion, benefitting 20,545 SMEs. This amount includes funds from the Special Relief Facility, Automation and Digitalisation Facility, All-Economic Sector Facility and Agrofood facility
Amount approved SME Soft Loans Fund and accepted* No of SMEs* (RM billion)
10 July 2020 9.1 20,545 3 July 2020 8.8 20,104 26 June 2020 8.4 19,539 19 June 2020 8.2 19,253 12 June 2020 7.8 18,449
5 June 2020 7.5 18,227 31 May 2020 6.9 16,833 17 May 2020 5.8 14,075 10 May 2020 4.7 11,975 3 May 2020 3.0 6,840 26 April 2020 1.5 3,636
*Cumulative Figure
25 ECONOMY
BSN and TEKUN National Micro Credit Schemes 8 As at 13 July 2020:
• Under the BSN micro credit scheme, 10,264 applications were approved, valued at RM344.4 million. From the amount approved, they were disbursed to 6,200 SMEs involving a total of RM223 million • For the TEKUN programme, 25,502 applications were approved, amounting to RM194.63 million. From the amount approved, payment was made to 22,989 SMEs involving a total of RM171 million
PRIHATIN OBJECTIVE 3: STIMULATING THE ECONOMY
Moratorium on Loan Repayment by Financial Institutions 9 • Since coming into force on 1 April 2020, as at 13 July 2020, the value of the moratorium is estimated at RM55.2 billion. Of this figure, a total of RM19.3 billion was utilised by the business sector while RM35.9 billion was utilised by the rakyat
The moratorium is aimed at providing relief to the rakyat 10 and businesses in need for 6 months. At the same time, the Government has also implemented measures to generate jobs and upskill workers. These efforts include:
• Supporting businesses in terms of saving jobs through the Wage Subsidy Programme (under the PRIHATIN and PRIHATIN PKS) and the enhanced Wage Subsidy Programme (under PENJANA) • Provide incentives for hiring and training assistance (under PENJANA) • Incentives to improve skills for youths and the unemployed so that they are looked after for at least three (3) months and will maintain employability when the job market becomes more vibrant
Those who are still affected are urged to immediately approach their respective banking institutions or Credit 11 Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) for advice
• Banks are also proactively targeting borrowers to offer advisory services for repayment assistance
26 ECONOMY
ACHIEVEMENT OF PRIHATIN
For one-off cash assistance – such as aid to tertiary students, e-hailing and taxi drivers, government retirees, and others – amounting to disbursements of 12 RM14.3 billion, the implementation rate was high at 91%
For initiatives involving implementation within three (3) to six (6) months – such as electricity bill discount, wage subsidy (original scheme), moratorium, e-CAP 13 EPF and others – involving a combined allocation of RM126.4 billion, the implementation rate is at 50% (from 47% last week). This is an encouraging trend given that we are halfway through implementing these measures
NATIONAL ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN (PENJANA)
MY30 programme 14 • As at 13 July 2020, a total of 112.5 thousand passes have been sold and the Government’s subsidy for MY30 passes is valued at RM19.13 million. My30 pass can be used for MRT, LRT, monorail, BRT, RapidKL buses and MRT feeder buses
Under SOCSO’s Workers Hiring Programme, Penjana 15 Kerjaya, there is an initiative to upgrade the National Employment Services Job Portal, MYFutureJobs
• As at 13 July 2020, 129,169 vacancies had been advertised, and 159,591 job seekers were registered through the MYFutureJobs portal. Between 15 June 2020 and 10 July 2020, a total of 5,300 job seekers were successfully employed
Hiring and Training Incentive Assistance Programme 16 • Since registration opened on 15 June 2020, a total of 2,800 employees have obtained employment through this initiative, namely 1,900 (below 40 years old), 502 (40 to 60 years old), 22 (OKU), 347 (apprentices) • In addition to the incentives offered, the initiative include training and upskilling programmes that will help youths and the unemployed to remain competitive when the country recovers from the COVID-19 crisis. Employers are encouraged to utilise this initiative to hire employees
27 ECONOMY
Incentives to encourage childcare centres to adopt 17 to new norms and have their establishment registered
• This initiative includes one-off grants of up to RM5,000 to nursery operators registered under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM). Apart from that, this incentive will also be extended to kindergartens registered under the supervision of the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE)
Social Assistance Support for Vulnerable Groups, namely on-off 18 assistance of RM300 which is expected to be disbursed on 30 July 2020 to the following groups:
• Differently-abled persons (OKU): Estimated 186,626 recipients (estimated value of RM56 million) • Single mothers: Estimated 18,805 recipients (estimated value of RM5.6 million) • Home Help Services: Estimated 3,333 recipients (estimated value of RM1 million)
Support for the arts, culture, entertainment, events, and 19 exhibition sectors valued at RM190 million will be launched on 16 July 2020 via MyCreative Ventures and Cultural Economy Development Agency (CENDANA). This will be in the form of:
• RM100 million soft loans • RM30 million grant for the creative industry, events and exhibitions • RM10 million grant through CENDANA • Digital marketing and promotion grant valued at RM50 million
MyCreative will also collaborate with the private sector to offer training and 20 connectivity for digital distribution methods and development of new business models in the new normal. Applications for the loan or grant can be made through MyCreative website (http://www.mycreative.com.my/) and CENDANA (https://www.cendana.com.my/) starting from 16 July 2020
Source: Ministry of Finance 28 COUNSEL
SEEK HELP EARLY
Plan your loan repayment before moratorium period ends
SAVINGS
LIVING ENTERTAINMENT EXPENSES TRANSPORT Contact your bank or the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Make prudent financial Agency (AKPK) at 03-2616 7766 for management a way of life free counselling and advice
AKPK service includes: RM
Financial education on Debt management programme responsible use of money and to assist consumers to credit management skills regain financial control
Counselling and advice on financial management Source: AKPK, a member of Financial Education Network
29 COUNSEL
IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO MAKE A COMEBACK IN YOUR FINANCES!
C CUT EXPENSES AND PRIORITISE NEEDS • Cancellation of club membership, entertainment (cinema, travelling) • Focus on NEEDS O OFFER TO BE HELPED • Asking for help can be really hard but you need support during tough times – counselling aids, AKPK and other agencies M MAKE A LIST OF INVENTORIES • List down all your assets (cash, jewellery) and liability (loans) – estimate your current net worth E EXPLORE AND REVIEW GOALS AND OBJECTIVES • Adjust or make new goals to align objectives
B BUILD EMERGENCY FUND • Try to save more and stay disciplined
A ADDITIONAL INCOME • Create passive income via online cooking, baking, sewing, make-up tutorial or products (digital marketing) – use your talents and skills C CORRECT AND ADJUST • Change your financial formula – improve your attitude towards money and be prudent K KNOWLEDGE IS POWER • Invest in knowledge – join webinar sessions and online learning
Source: Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK)
30 Grab our free digital Enjoy the convenience of reading at your fingertips version of print book wherever you are! dbook.penerangan.gov.my
Prosedur Operasi Standard (SOP) Pembukaan Semula Ekonomi di Bawah PKPB Buletin Citra 1/2020
Mentari 2/2020 Pakej Rangsangan Ekonomi Prihatin Rakyat M.005 (B.I) AUGUST 2020 (0.03) Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia / Prihatin Rakyat @JPenerangan @Japenmalaysia Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia