THE NATIONAL RECOVERY PLAN A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION -- GLCS

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 -- The National Recovery Plan (NRP) is a step in the right direction in providing a clear framework of targets and approaches on relaxing the lockdowns and the reopening up of more economic sectors, said government-linked companies (GLCs).

In a statement today, MyHSR Corporation Sdn Bhd (MyHSR Corp) lauded the NRP which was announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday.

The plan encompasses four progressive phases, each one to be determined based on three indicators -- the daily tally of COVID-19 cases, the public healthcare system’s capability based on the bed utilisation rate in intensive care units, and the fully vaccinated percentage of the population. 

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“We look forward to the country’s recovery,” says MyHSR Corp chief executive officer (CEO), Datuk Mohd Nur Ismal Mohamed Kamal.

Bank Simpanan Nasional chief executive, Jay Khairil Jeremy also voiced his support for the NRP, saying that the plan can also protect the lives of Malaysians while simultaneously restoring the country's economy.

Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) president and group chief executive Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn opined that achieving herd immunity via vaccinations is the way out of the pandemic.

“We have made great progress in June. It is good to see that we achieved close to 200,000 doses yesterday and are now ramping up towards a target of 300,000 doses per day.

“The spirit of volunteerism at many vaccination centres truly showcases the best of Malaysians,” he said.

Given the current pace, he said the country will vaccinate three million Malaysians a month, allowing the nation to get closer to achieving herd immunity in the fourth quarter as envisioned in the NRP.

“PNB and our companies stand ready to provide any support required for the NRP. The path to herd immunity must be a collective effort for the benefit of all Malaysians,” he said.

Meanwhile, SME Bank group president and CEO, Aria Putera Ismail said the NRP provides a clear picture of how the country will move out of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and outlines the efforts to redevelop the economy.

“Most importantly, all parties need to work together to ensure that this NRP succeeds in achieving its goals,” he said.

Aria Putera said SME Bank will use the details provided by the government to further strengthen the bank’s existing plans to assist small and medium enterprise (SMEs) which have long been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ha added that the bank has offered various forms of assistance to its customers since the first Movement Control Order was implemented.

Overall, he noted that the country's banking sector remained committed to helping entrepreneurs sustain and grow their businesses during these difficult times, as the sustainability of their businesses will influence the performance of the country’s banking industry.

“Each application for financial assistance or business development will be given the utmost consideration in accordance with existing guidelines and policies,” he added.

--BERNAMA