On the right track, postpandemic
DURING the past year, Malaysia has had to grapple with a pandemic and its resulting farreaching effects, especially on the economy and the livelihood of its people.
Governments all over the world have had to deal with similar issues.
In its one year in administration, the Perikatan Nasional government under Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has come up with many peoplefriendly programmes and initiatives to assist the people and ease our postpandemic recovery.
Trade groups and non-governmental associations are confident that the nation is on the right track.
Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KLSICCI) president Datuk R. Ramanathan is expecting for a postpandemic Malaysia to boldly embrace the digital economy.
“When the Covid-19 pandemic struck our nation, many companies went into a defensive mode and put most transformations on hold.
“But, those who continued transforming during that period have emerged stronger.
“Our prime minister too has realised this and the recently-launched Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDigital) encapsulates that aspiration very well.
“The digital economy is expected to make up 22.6 per cent of Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) and create 500,000 jobs by 2025. Billions of ringgit are expected to be involved in this process.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things, big data analytics, blockchain and cloud computing are no more buzz words. They are already part of our everyday life,” he told the New Straits Times.
Ramanathan said the government should continue striving towards ensuring that workers are equipped with skills and support requirements to transit to new jobs.
“Countries that fail to manage this transition could see rising unemployment and depressed wages. Displaced workers have to be reemployed quickly, other wise unemployment will creep in.
“According to a report, China, Germany, India, Japan and the US will achieve full employment in 2030, considering their investment in technologies.
“Malaysia has to emulate these countries to stay afloat and our govern
ment has noted the importance,” he said.
Hence, Ramanathan advised graduates to capitalise on the MyDigital initiative to upskill themselves and benefit from job creation initiatives under the blueprint.
“Small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and micro businesses should also adapt the IR4.0 initiatives by migrating into e-commerce to accelerate their business in the digital world.
“KLSICCI is currently focusing on a digitalisation programme to better prepare our entrepreneurs to change their mindset, business strategies and gradually enable digitalisation in their businesses,” he said.
Meanwhile, social community group LOCCO said the government’s undertakings to ramp up vaccination rollout and promote harmonious living will
benefit the country.
Its co-founder Muhammad Faiz Kamarudin said the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP) spells a huge relief to the public as it would be able to restore normalcy.
“With movement restrictions gradually eased and vaccine rollout expedited, I believe both our economy and social wellbeing will get better,” he said.
Besides that, he said the government should focus on encouraging and promoting environmental-friendly lifestyle as part of its aspirations to become a low-carbon economy.
“There are a lot of suburban and even some urban communities with strong awareness to practise a green lifestyle.
“During one of my outreach programmes, I went to Kuantan and met a couple who runs a restaurant and, at the same time, carried out organic
farming and organic poultry.
“So, if we can get more people to adopt a similar lifestyle, then we will be able to nurture many community entrepreneurs as well,” he said.
Social activist Tressie Yap said the government’s key priorities under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) in reducing socio-economic gaps was definitely needed, especially in Sabah.
During a special address on Monday in conjunction with Perikatan Nasional’s one year anniversary, Muhyiddin had said other key priorities in 12MP included eradicating hardcore poverty, focusing on high-technology activities, and accelerating development in Sabah and Sarawak among others.
“Overall, it is a superb intention to diverge from the tendency of the current economic situation where the rich get richer while the poor get poorer.”