Aid and relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia

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"Terima Kasih Frontliners" (literally means "Thank You Frontliners") mural at Pendang, Kedah Bandar Pendang, Kedah 20230305 154015.jpg
"Terima Kasih Frontliners" (literally means "Thank You Frontliners") mural at Pendang, Kedah

The Government of Malaysia along with various non governmental organisations (NGOs), companies, and foreign governments introduced various financial aid and relief programs in response to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. On 27 March 2020, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin introduced an economic stimulus package known as the Prihatin ("caring package") worth RM250 billion.

Contents

Between January and March 2020, the Sabah state government and various NGOs raised aid and medical supplies for China. Following the rise in COVID-19 cases in Malaysia, local companies and the Chinese government were involved in the distribution of aid and medical supplies in Malaysia. In addition, Malaysia received aid from the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey and the multinational corporation McDonald's.

Mercy Malaysia, the Malaysian Red Crescent Society along with various banks and telecommunications companies also provided customers with various forms of financial assistances and discounted services during the pandemic.

Economic stimulus plan

On 23 March 2020, the Malaysian Government allocated RM600 million to the Ministry of Health for the purchase of equipment and to hire contract personnel, especially nurses. It has also announced that contributors of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) can withdraw up to RM500 per month for 12 months. [1]

On 27 March, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin launched an economic stimulus package known as the Prihatin ("caring package") worth RM250 billion. This package consists of RM128 billion for welfare assistance, RM100 billion to support small and medium businesses, RM2 billion to strengthen the country's economy, and a RM20 billion stimulus package that was previously announced by the government. [2] An allocation of RM130 million was also distributed equally to all states to help overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. [3] In addition, the central bank Bank Negara Malaysia also cut interest rates to 1%. [4]

The details of the plan are:

  1. Budget of RM500 million to the Ministry of Health to enhance the health and resources of the ministry.
  2. The government raises special allowances for healthcare workers from RM400 to RM600 a month from 1 April until the end of the pandemic.
  3. Additional special allowance of RM200 per month for frontliner for police, immigration, Customs Department, Malaysian Civil Defence Force and RELA Corps personnel.
  4. Aid of RM1,600 to households earning less than RM4,000, with RM1,000 paid in April and RM600 in May.
  5. National Concerns fund with RM10 billion worth of cash payments will be provided to groups B40 and M40, including private workers, farmers and fishermen. These include RM1,600 to four million households earning RM4,000 and below; RM1,000 for households earning RM4,000 above; RM800 for Malaysians aged 21 and over who earn RM2,000 and below; RM500 for Malaysians aged 21 and over earns between RM2,000 and RM4,000.
  6. RM200 of one-time assistance to affected higher education institution students.
  7. Free internet from April onwards until the end of the MCO.
  8. The joint government of TNB will increase the allocation of RM530 million for a discount of between 15% and 50% for electricity usage up to 600 kW[ sic ] per month for six months from the April bill.
  9. Exemption of rent for Program Perumahan Rakyat and public housing for six months.
  10. Insurance and takaful companies set aside RM8 million to cover COVID-19 inspection costs up to RM300 per policyholder.
  11. Government to provide a payment of RM500 to approximately 120,000 e-hailing drivers starting 1 April.
  12. The Government and Bank Negara Malaysia will set aside an additional allocation of RM4.5 billion for SMEs and micro-entrepreneurs which will consist of five initiatives.
  13. One-off RM500 aid for 120,000 e-hailing drivers nationwide with an allocation of RM60 million. This is in addition to the one-time assistance announced for taxi drivers announced in the previous stimulus package.
  14. The government will pay the salaries incurred by contractors involved in the service sector, such as cleaning services and food supplies cooked at government agencies.
  15. The government will introduce a subsidy of RM600 a month for three months for employers with a 50% reduction since 1 January, for workers with less than RM4,000 in salaries.
  16. The government will continue all projects allocated in the 2020 Budget, including ECRL, MRT2 and the National Sustainability and Sustainability Plan (NFCP) in line with its focus on ensuring sustainable economic development.
  17. Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) is tax-exempted for all sectors for six months beginning April 2020.
  18. Federal government premises such as school cafeteria, nursery, cafeteria and convenience store are exempt from rent for six months.
  19. Government pensioners to receive RM500 cash assistance.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin launched a special stimulus plan on 6 April, worth RM10 billion aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to mitigate the impact of action control orders (MCO). Muhyiddin said that SMEs and micro-enterprises accounted for two-thirds of the country's manpower and contributed 40% of the country's economy. This is in addition to other economic stimulus plans that increase cash flow to ensure that the economy will not collapse. [5]

On 5 June, the Prime Minister announced the Short-Term Economic Recovery Plan (Penjana) to alleviate the effects of the pandemic. [6] The details of the plan are:

  1. Nearly RM9 billion to address rising unemployment.
  2. The Wage Subsidy Programme to be extended for another three months.
  3. Employers can apply for the Wage Subsidy Programme if they were not allowed to operate during CMCO.
  4. Penjana has 40 initiatives worth RM35 billion, of which RM10 billion is a direct fiscal injection by the government.
  5. An employment subsidy programme worth RM1.5 billion for companies hiring unemployed people.
  6. Companies that employ Malaysians under 40 to be given RM800 per worker while those that employ Malaysians above 40 or disabled people to be given RM1,000, for a period of six months.
  7. Public transport users can pay RM30 per month for unlimited rides from 15 June to 31 December.
  8. Grants for daycare centre operators for abiding standard operating procedures.
  9. E-vouchers for those ordering childcare services online.
  10. Up to RM3,000 incentive of individual income tax for fees paid by parents to daycare centres and kindergartens.
  11. RM70 million for the Shop Malaysia Online campaign.
  12. RM2 billion by the banking sector to assist SMEs, with a threshold of RM500,000 per SME.
  13. RM400 million to fund the Penjana microcredit by Tekun and Bank Simpanan Nasional, with RM50 million for female entrepreneurs.
  14. RM1 billion for the tourism industry under the Penjana Tourism Funding.
  15. Cash-flow aid by SME Bank for G2 and G3 contractors that are awarded minor government projects.
  16. RM10 million for the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre to fund social enterprises for social projects.
  17. The Penjana Nasional fund worth RM600 million to drive the process of digitalisation of businesses and innovation.
  18. RM75 million for draft policies related to the gig economy.
  19. RM50 million matching grant for gig workers' EPF and Socso contributions.
  20. RM75 million to e-wallets, or RM50 per person.
  21. Full tax exemption for purchase of locally assembled cars from June to 31 December.
  22. RM50 million for the Malaysian Investment Development Authority for promotional and marketing activities.
  23. Full exemption of tourism tax from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.
  24. Exemption of services tax on lodgings and accommodation services from 1 September 2020 to 30 June 2021.
  25. Waiver of penalty to companies that are late in submitting payment for sales and services tax.
  26. Free 1GB of Internet data from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until 31 December. [7]
  27. Stamp duty exemption for transfer of property limited to the first RM1 million of home price. [8]
  28. Stamp duty exemption for loan agreements for purchase of home between RM300,000 and RM2.5 million effective for sales and purchase agreements signed from 1 June 2020 to 31 May 2021.
  29. Real property gains tax exemption for disposal of up to three properties from 1 June 2020 to 31 December 2021.

Exchange of aid between Malaysia and other countries

January–February aid to China

Malaysian aid organisation #OpsHarapan aimed to collect 10,000 N95 face masks for its relief efforts to Wuhan. [9] A total of 18 million pieces of medical gloves were donated by Malaysia to assist China in their struggle against the virus. [10] [11] [12] The Malaysia's state Government of Sabah has raised RM2 million for the "Wuhan Fund" which will be channelled to China as a sign of solidarity with the country during the outbreak. [13] The state government fund's earlier target was RM1 million although the amount received exceeded the initial target when a local philanthropist contributed RM40,000 (US$9,548). [14] [15] The fundraising was organised in a joint event called "We Love, We Care" by the Sabah government and Chinese associations. [16] A group of musicians in Malaysia also published a song to support China in their struggle against the virus titled "You Are Not Alone" which was featured in a show in Malaysia's capital of Kuala Lumpur. [17]

March–April aid to Malaysia

On 23 March 2020, the Malaysian government urged local PPE manufacturers to step their production due to reports that Malaysia's healthcare workers faced a shortage of PPE, resorting to clingwrap and plastic wrap for making DIY protective suits which had to be changed up to 5 times per day. [18] On 16 March 2020, Malaysia's Prime Minister announced that the Chinese ambassador in Malaysia has declared China's willingness to help by supplying face masks and disinfectants. [19] [20] The first medical supplies were sent to Sungai Buloh Hospital on 19 March. [21] A further 100,000 face masks were sent by the President of China-Asia Economic Development Association to Malaysia. [22] Along the same day, Chinese Alibaba Group founder Jack Ma further announced that through his foundation, a total of 2 million masks, 150,000 test kits, 20,000 protective suits and 20,000 face shields will be sent to four Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia to aid these nations in their struggle against the virus. [23] A further total of 1,000 face masks, 20,000 medical masks, 100 protective clothing and 100 goggles were contributed by China specifically for the Malaysian police forces. [24]

China's Consulate-General in Kota Kinabalu also has announced that medical aid to be dispatched to Sabah to aid their struggle against the virus and reciprocate the people's of Sabah recent assistance to Mainland China during the outbreak. [25] [26] On 25 March, a further total of 5,500 test kits were delivered to Malaysia's Health Ministry by China through its several business entities operating in Malaysia. [27] On 26 March, 20,000 N95 face masks were delivered by China for the Malaysia's state of Sarawak frontline healthcare workers. [28] By 29 March, China delivered a total of 83 boxes of face masks with 2,000 pieces to Malaysia's state of Sabah. [29]

A further 170,000 boxes of face masks, 1,000 sets of personal protective equipment (PPE), 200 pairs of goggles, hand sanitisers and surgical masks were delivered by China to the Sabah state government on 30 March. [30] Another 20,000 surgical masks destined for Sabah's healthcare frontliner workers were delivered in early April. [31] A total of 30,000 face masks were delivered by China through its Consulate General in Kuching specifically for the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee. [32] Malaysia has asked China's medical experts to share their experience with Malaysia's frontliners, to be accomplished through a videoconference between their doctors on 26 March 2020. [33] On 13 April 2020, Malaysia's health ministry announced that Malaysian hospitals will run out of PPE supplies in two weeks, calling upon NGO's and other parties to donate their PPE supplies. [34]

Aid from other countries

The Malaysian government also received aid from the United Arab Emirates, which included 600,000 face masks, 200 ventilators, about 100,000 test kits and 50,000 protective clothes. [35] Neighbouring Singapore had donated 5,000 universal transport medium (UTM) swabs, a critical component in test kits which can test for a case of the virus within minutes. [36] Malaysia also among the seven countries in Taiwan further aid lists following the former request of face masks supplies, [37] [38] with Taiwan starting its second round of surgical mask donations to severely hit countries in Latin America and Southeast Asia from 9 April after its donations to Europe and the United States had been fulfilled. [37] [39] Taiwanese Tzu Chi foundation also donated essential food and equipment to hospitals and clinics in Malaysia. [40] Turkey-based Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association's (MUSIAD) had distributed free face masks to shoppers at a mall in Malaysia's capital of Kuala Lumpur on 11 April to assist the country's efforts in their fight against the virus. [41] McDonald's Malaysia, which is part of an American fast-food franchise, donated food to about 50 hospitals in the country, to reach 15,000 healthcare workers, and also to other frontliners such as the police and army personnel. [42]

Local pandemic fund within Malaysia

Following the severely strained healthcare system due to the increasing number of infections by the virus, Mercy Malaysia launched the "Covid-19 Pandemic Fund" to supporting medical services and the essential needs of marginalised groups within the country. [43] Various Malaysian crowdfunding platforms joined hands in raising money to supply frontline health workers with critical protective equipment and supplies. [44] The Malaysian Red Crescent Society also launched the #responsMALAYSIA (Malaysia's Response) initiative to support frontliners. [45]

Various Malaysian states have launched their own stimulus packages and announced immediate financial aid in the form of rental waivers and deferment of student loan repayments to help their citizens to cope throughout the virus outbreak. In addition, the federal government of Malaysia also announced it will disburse a total of RM130 million equally among Malaysia's 13 states to help small traders, the infected individuals and front-line staff especially those in the healthcare sector. [46] The country Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, all other ministers and deputy ministers had contributed two months of their salaries to the COVID-19 Fund of Malaysia has been announced by the Prime Minister's Office statement issued on 26 March. [47] [48]

In February, Malaysia's home improvement retailer MR DIY distributed a total of 3.5 million free face masks nationwide to help curb the spread of the virus. [49] Further in March, Coway Malaysia donated a total of 100,000 pieces of surgical face masks to PDRM in an effort to help safeguard police personnel who are on the frontlines during the global pandemic. [50]

Various Malaysian banks such as Affin Bank, Agrobank, Alliance Bank, AmBank, Bank Islam Malaysia, Bank Muamalat Malaysia, Bank Rakyat, Bank Simpanan Nasional, CIMB, Hong Leong Bank, HSBC Bank Malaysia, Maybank, MBSB Bank, OCBC Bank, Public Bank Berhad, RHB Bank and SME Bank has offered measures including financial assistance for its customers amidst the virus crisis. [51] [52]

Local broadcasting and telecommunications companies aid

To keep the Malaysian public entertained during the movement control order period, both Malaysia's pay television and internet services of Unifi offers free access to all Unifi TV channels while its mobile prepaid of Unifi Mobile offers unlimited data. [53] [54] Astro also offers free access to all of its paid movie channels through both basic Astro and Astro GO mobile application. [55] Starting from 1 April, all telecommunication companies in the country have been instructed by the government to provide free internet data usage to their respective customers throughout the movement control order period has been published in the website of Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). [56] [57] The MCMC has announced that Malaysia's mobile telecommunication companies of Celcom, Digi, Maxis and U Mobile will be offering its prepaid and postpaid customers free 1GB of high-speed data, which is to be used daily between 8 am to 6 pm. [58]

Notes and references

  1. ↑ Azli, Firdaus (23 March 2020). "COVID-19: Pencarum KWSP dibenar keluar RM500 sebulan bermula 1 April" [COVID-19: EPF contributors are allowed to withdraw RM500 a month starting 1 April]. Astro Awani (in Malay). Archived from the original on 6 April 2020. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  2. ↑ Loo, Cindi (27 March 2020). "Stimulus package: RM1,600 to almost 4 million household with income of RM4,000 and below". The Sun. Archived from the original on 5 April 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
  3. ↑ "Muhyiddin unveils RM250bil economic stimulus package". The Star . 27 March 2020. Archived from the original on 6 April 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  4. ↑ Teoh, Shannon (27 March 2020). "KL needs to flood market with liquidity, say analysts". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 5 April 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
  5. ↑ "Muhyiddin unveils RM10bil stimulus package for SMEs (updated)". The Star . 6 April 2020. Archived from the original on 7 April 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  6. ↑ "PM unveils short-term recovery plan to boost economy (Live Updates)". The Star. 5 June 2020. Archived from the original on 5 June 2020. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  7. ↑ Yeoh, Angelin (5 June 2020). "PM: Free additional 1GB Internet data daily until Dec 31 (Updated)". The Star. Archived from the original on 6 June 2020. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
  8. ↑ "Property tax exemption for Malaysians for disposal of up to three properties". The Star. 5 June 2020. Archived from the original on 6 June 2020. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
  9. ↑ Annuar, Azril (31 January 2020). "#OpsHarapan targets up to 10,000 face masks, supplies for Wuhan aid". The Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 26 February 2020. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
  10. ↑ Kaos, Joseph Jr. (31 January 2020). "Coronavirus: Malaysia to donate 18 million medical gloves to China". The Star. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
  11. ↑ Palansamy, Yiswaree (31 January 2020). "Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council, others to donate 18 million medical gloves to Wuhan". The Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 23 February 2020. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
  12. ↑ Bunyan, John (10 February 2020). "Hit by nCoV, Asian business group to truck three million Malaysian medical gloves to Wuhan". The Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 23 February 2020. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
  13. ↑ "Sabah govt raised RM2 million for Wuhan fund". Borneo Post. Bernama. 20 February 2020. Archived from the original on 23 February 2020. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
  14. ↑ Geraldine, Avila (14 February 2020). "Philanthropist contributes RM40,000 to Sabah's Wuhan Fund". New Straits Times. Archived from the original on 23 February 2020. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
  15. ↑ Miwil, Olivia (17 February 2020). "Sabah's Wuhan Fund exceeds RM1 million target". New Straits Times. Archived from the original on 23 February 2020. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
  16. ↑ "Malaysia's Sabah state host charity event for China's fight against COVID-19". Xinhua News Agency. 19 February 2020. Archived from the original on 28 February 2020. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  17. ↑ Liena, Fei; Ran, Dan (17 February 2020). "Xinhua Headlines: "You are not alone" – countries worldwide offer support, aid to China's fight against coronavirus". Xinhua News Agency. Archived from the original on 18 February 2020. Retrieved 25 February 2020.
  18. ↑ Wong, Sai Win; Soo, Wern Jun (23 March 2020). "Doctors, nurses turn to plastic bags, cling wrap amid shortage of PPE in Malaysia's Covid-19 battle (VIDEO)". The Malay Mail . Archived from the original on 23 March 2020. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
  19. ↑ Velusamy, Thermesh (17 March 2020). "Hishammuddin: Chinese Government Will Be Supplying Masks And Disinfectants To Malaysia". World of Buzz. Archived from the original on 17 March 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
  20. ↑ Gill, Tarvin (17 March 2020). "China will send medical aid to Malaysia amidst the country's movement control order". Mashable Southeast Asia. Archived from the original on 18 March 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
  21. ↑ "◤武汉肺炎·大马首宗人传人◢-确诊再添2人 1患者是首名确诊病患妹" [◤Global pandemic◢China's first batch of donated materials sent to Sungai Buloh Hospital]. China Press (in Chinese). 19 March 2020. Archived from the original on 19 March 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
  22. ↑ Lai, Allison (20 March 2020). "100k face masks arriving from China on March 20". The Star. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
  23. ↑ "Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation Announce Donations to Four Southeast Asian Countries". Business Wire. 19 March 2020. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
  24. ↑ "Malaysia receives medical devices from China for police". Free Malaysia Today. 21 March 2020. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
  25. ↑ "EXCLUSIVE: China to send medical aid to Sabah". Daily Express. 21 March 2020. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
  26. ↑ "China to reciprocate Sabah's kindness – Liang". Borneo Post. 22 March 2020. Archived from the original on 24 March 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  27. ↑ Lim, Ida (25 March 2020). "China donates 5,500 Covid-19 test kits to Malaysia, on top of previous donations of face masks". The Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 5 April 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  28. ↑ "Covid-19: Sarawak receives 20,000 face masks from China's Fujian province". The Star. 26 March 2020. Archived from the original on 5 April 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  29. ↑ Chan, Julia (29 March 2020). "Sabah gets fresh boost of medical masks, supplies from China". The Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 5 April 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  30. ↑ Ralon, Larry (29 March 2020). "China sends masks and sanitisers". Daily Express. Archived from the original on 5 April 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  31. ↑ "Sabah receives additional 20,000 surgical masks from China". Bernama. 4 April 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  32. ↑ "China's Consulate General donates 30,000 face masks to Sarawak". Borneo Post. 1 April 2020. Archived from the original on 5 April 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  33. ↑ "China docs to aid in virus fight". The Star . 25 March 2020. Archived from the original on 13 April 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  34. ↑ "Covid-19: Need more PPE, current supply can only last for two weeks, says Health DG". The Star . 13 April 2020. Archived from the original on 21 April 2020. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
  35. ↑ Rahman, Abdul Hakim (30 March 2020). "Malaysia terima peralatan perubatan dari UAE" [Malaysia received medical equipments from UAE]. Astro Awani (in Malay). Archived from the original on 5 April 2020. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  36. ↑ Said, Sulaiman (1 April 2020). "S'pore donates 5,000 UTM swabs to M'sia for Covid-19 test kits". Mothership.sg. Archived from the original on 5 April 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  37. 1 2 Chia-nan, Lin (8 April 2020). "Virus Outbreak: Taiwan looks south for its second batch of mask donations". Taipei Times. Archived from the original on 13 April 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  38. ↑ Everington, Keoni (10 April 2020). "Taiwan to donate medical masks to Singapore". Taiwan News. Archived from the original on 11 April 2020. Retrieved 11 April 2020. When asked how many countries have requested masks, Ger estimated there are "seven or eight" thus far. A source familiar with the matter told CNA that seven of the countries to have requested masks include the Philippines, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Singapore.
  39. ↑ "Taiwan plans second round of surgical mask donations". Taiwan News. 9 April 2020. Archived from the original on 11 April 2020. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  40. ↑ Whitaker, Justin (7 April 2020). "Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation Offers Coronavirus Aid to the Vatican and Beyond". Buddhist Door. Archived from the original on 13 April 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  41. ↑ Yildiz, Omer Faruk (11 April 2020). "Turkish body distributes free facemasks in Malaysia". Anadolu Agency. Archived from the original on 11 April 2020. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  42. ↑ "McDonald's Malaysia shows appreciation to Covid-19 frontliners". New Straits Times. 24 March 2020. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  43. ↑ "Mercy Malaysia launches Covid-19 fund". Bernama. 18 March 2020. Archived from the original on 19 March 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2020– via The Sun.
  44. ↑ Whitehead, Richard; Abdul Alim, Emmy (2 April 2020). "Malaysian crowdfunding platforms raise funds for hospital PPE". Salaam Gateway. Archived from the original on 11 April 2020. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  45. ↑ "Red Crescent leads way in COVID-19 battle". New Straits Times. 24 March 2020. Archived from the original on 5 April 2020. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  46. ↑ Hassan, Hazlin (24 March 2020). "Coronavirus: Malaysian states begin handing out aid to those affected by outbreak". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 25 March 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  47. ↑ Koya, Zakiah (24 March 2020). "PM, Ministers, Deputy Ministers to give two months' pay to Covid-19 Fund". The Star. Archived from the original on 15 April 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  48. ↑ "Cabinet members to give two months' salary to Covid-19 fund". New Straits Times. 26 March 2020. Archived from the original on 15 April 2020. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  49. ↑ "MR DIY hands out 3.5 million masks free to combat virus". Bernama. 6 February 2020. Archived from the original on 25 March 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020– via The Star.
  50. ↑ "Coway Malaysia donates thousands of protective face masks to PDRM". The Star. 24 March 2020. Archived from the original on 25 March 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  51. ↑ "Banks step up measures to help customers amidst Covid-19 crisis" . The Star. 20 March 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  52. ↑ Cheong, Alex (24 March 2020). "Malaysian Banks And Local Institutions Offer Financial Assistance For Customers Affected By Covid-19". RinggitPlus. Archived from the original on 25 March 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  53. ↑ Wong, Alexander (18 March 2020). "Unifi offers free access to all Unifi TV channels". SoyaCincau. Archived from the original on 26 March 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  54. ↑ Vernon (19 March 2020). "Unifi Mobile offers free unlimited data during Movement Control Order". VernonChan. Archived from the original on 26 March 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  55. ↑ Wong, Alexander (17 March 2020). "Astro offers free access to all movie channels starting 18 March". SoyaCincau. Archived from the original on 26 March 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  56. ↑ Povera, Adib (27 March 2020). "Free internet usage during MCO from April 1". New Straits Times. Archived from the original on 7 April 2020. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
  57. ↑ "Media Statement: The People-Centric Economic Stimulus Package (PRIHATIN): No One Will Be Left Behind". Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (Press release). 29 March 2020. Archived from the original on 7 April 2020. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
  58. ↑ Wong, Alexander (27 March 2020). "MCMC: 4 telcos to offer free 1GB data daily starting 1st April". SoyaCincau. Archived from the original on 7 April 2020. Retrieved 7 April 2020.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic</span>

The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching economic consequences including the COVID-19 recession, the second largest global recession in recent history, decreased business in the services sector during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the 2020 stock market crash, which included the largest single-week stock market decline since the financial crisis of 2007–2008 and the impact of COVID-19 on financial markets, the 2021–2023 global supply chain crisis, the 2021–2023 inflation surge, shortages related to the COVID-19 pandemic including the 2020–present global chip shortage, panic buying, and price gouging. It led to governments providing an unprecedented amount of stimulus. The pandemic was also a factor in the 2021–2022 global energy crisis and 2022–2023 food crises.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States</span> Overview of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. economy

The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States has been widely disruptive, adversely affecting travel, financial markets, employment, shipping, and other industries. The impacts can be attributed not just to government intervention to contain the virus, but also to consumer and business behavior to reduce exposure to and spread of the virus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">U.S. federal government response to the COVID-19 pandemic</span> Actions by the U.S. federal government regarding the COVID-19 pandemic

The federal government of the United States initially responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country with various declarations of emergency, some of which led to travel and entry restrictions and the formation of the White House Coronavirus Task Force. As the pandemic progressed in the U.S. and globally, the U.S. government began issuing recommendations regarding the response by state and local governments, as well as social distancing measures and workplace hazard controls. State governments played a primary role in adopting policies to address the pandemic. Following the closure of most businesses throughout a number of U.S. states, President Donald Trump announced the mobilization of the National Guard in the most affected areas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indian government response to the COVID-19 pandemic</span> Actions by the Indian government on COVID-19 pandemic

The first responses of the government of India to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country involved thermal screenings of passengers arriving from China, the country from which the coronavirus disease 2019 originated, as well as of passengers arriving from other countries. As the pandemic spread worldwide, the Indian government recommended social distancing measures and also initiated travel and entry restrictions. Throughout March 2020, several shutdowns and business closures were initiated, and by the end of the month, the Indian government ordered a widespread lockdown. An economic package was announced in May 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International aid related to the COVID-19 pandemic</span>

Due to its severity, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused countries to send aid, as part of the international responses and management regarding the pandemic. Types of materials aided includes masks, medical supplies, personal protective equipment, money, and test kits. It started with aid to China as the virus spreads primarily there, and then internationally as it spreads globally. The destination of the aid ranges from hospitals, COVID-19 healthcare workers, research on the vaccine, to societies vulnerable. People donating includes the government of said country, notable people, organizations and institutions, charities, as well as regular people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in November 2020</span> Aspect of the COVID-19 outbreak

This article documents the chronology of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in November 2020. Some developments may become known or fully understood only in retrospect. Reporting on this pandemic began in December 2019.

The following is a timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana during 2021-2022.

The following is a timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana from August 2020 to December 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia</span> Economic impact of the COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia has had a significant impact on the Malaysian economy, leading to the devaluation of the Malaysian ringgit (MYR) and the decline in the country's gross domestic product. The pandemic also adversely affected several key sectors including entertainment, markets, retail, hospitality, and tourism. Besides shortages in goods and services, many businesses had to cope with social distancing and lockdown restrictions, which affected their operations and revenue. The pandemic also drew attention to workplace safety and the exploitation of migrant workers working in Malaysian industries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States responses to the COVID-19 pandemic</span> Actions by the United States regarding the COVID-19 pandemic

The United States' response to the COVID-19 pandemic with consists of various measures by the medical community; the federal, state, and local governments; the military; and the private sector. The public response has been highly polarized, with partisan divides being observed and a number of concurrent protests and unrest complicating the response.

Respirator diplomacy of Taiwan refers to the exchange of masks between Taiwan and other countries, aimed to help during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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