JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 19 — The Johor Malaysia-Singapore Workers Association (Pemas) hopes that the Johor 2021 Budget will give priority to Malaysian workers who lost their jobs in Singapore due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Its chairman S Dayalan said an estimated 300,000 Malaysian workers in Singapore had been ‘stranded’ in Johor since last March after not being able to commute to the republic to work.
“I hope the Johor government will come up with priority packages to those who have lost their jobs, and to those who want to open their own business, perhaps by giving them business grants.
“In fact, I submitted this proposal to Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad two months ago, but maybe at that time, there was no allocation but with the budget getting closer… I think they should help the people,” he told a media conference here today when asked on Pemas’ views on the upcoming state budget.
Dayalan also said that as a sign of concern for the people’s current economic plight, the state government must consider a 15 per cent salary cut for the Menteri Besar, state executive councillors and assemblymen.
“It would be more rewarding if we can help 100 families in these times instead of enjoying high salaries.
“Perhaps the state government can also set up a Covid-19 pandemic fund so that the public can contribute and help those affected, especially those who have lost their jobs, in which the Menteri Besar, state councillors and assemblymen can have their salary cuts channelled into the same fund,” he added.
— Bernama
