The International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) will draft more effective aid aimed at speeding up the delivery of assistance to SMEs affected by the floods.
Senior International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said his ministry has asked all the ministries involved to confirm the number victims affected by the recent disaster which struck the Klang Valley and other states in the Peninsular last month.
“We had a long discussion with the cabinet seeing that the floods had affected the Klang Valley and Selangor, in particular to the fact that it had hit where our economic centre is located.
“Miti and the Finance Ministry are in the midst of reviewing the kind of assistance, especially for the SMEs affected by the floods.
“These businesses were just recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, and then our country was hit by the floods. So, the government is ready to see what are the necessary aid that can help the SMEs,” he said when met after receiving donations worth RM100,000 from II-VI Malaysia Advanced Manufacturing Center Sdn Bhd at Menara Miti in Kuala Lumpur on 14 January.
Azmin said the private sector has played a critical role in extending assistance for flood victims is in line with the ministry’s theme to continue providing aid to victims.
“The private sector also plays a role in assisting victims. We are also focusing on humanitarian efforts for those affected by the flood seeing that a large number of them are working at companies and various institutions.
“They have been supporting Miti’s efforts to ensure assistance is being given out in a timely manner, and not just focusing on economic growth. They are ensuring the welfare of the people who are also workers, who need protection.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to them. I also want to encourage more from the private sector to come and join this valiant effort,” he said.
At the same event, II-VI Malaysia Advanced Manufacturing Center Sdn Bhd managing director Jimmy Ling said the donation would allow flood victims to rebuild their lives.
“As a corporate citizen, II-VI Malaysia has always made it a point to make a difference in the area we are operating and to serve in the communities we are in.
“Apart from bringing investments for economic prosperity and job opportunities, it is also part of our corporate social responsibility to build up the community we are serving and this includes providing support in times of need. We are aware of the flood that happened recently which has devastated many livelihoods,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony was Media Prima Bhd (MPB) group chairman Datuk Seri Dr Syed Hussian Aljunid.
