WORK from home (WFH) arrangements has received positive support by majority of the workforce who participated in a survey conducted by KPMG in Malaysia. In the survey conducted from April 7 to May 19, 2020 during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, a total of 3,022 respondents took part and 69 per cent say WFH should continue post MCO as part of the new normal arising from the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

However, despite employees’ willingness to continue working from home, only 56 per cent of business owners are supportive of the WFH arrangements.

Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Bhd has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to attract foreign investments as part of the country’s recovery from Covid-19.

The MoU will entail the bank bringing in foreign investors to invest in high-value, high-technology and high-impact sectors such as those in the electrical and electronics, machinery and equipment, medical devices, aerospace, renewable energy and the consumer technology.

Mudajaya Group Bhd, a leading construction-property-independent power production company, has successfully attained ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management System certification. The announcement was made by ABAC Center of Excellence Sdn. Bhd. after conducting a comprehensive risk assessment and examination of Mudajaya’s Group anti-bribery policies and procedures. The process followed directives put forth in ISO 37001:2016, and Mudajaya met and exceeded the standard’s requirements.

On 7 June 2020, the Government of Malaysia announced that the Recovery Movement Control Order (“RMCO”) will replace the Conditional Movement Control Order (“CMCO”). The Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within Infected Local Areas) (No. 7) Regulations 2020 (“Regulations No. 7”) outline measures to control and prevent the spreading of COVID-19 during the RMCO. The RMCO is effective from 10 June 2020 to 31 August 2020 (“RMCO Period”). Movement restrictions were initially introduced under a Movement Control Order (“MCO”), which lasted
for 6.5 weeks from 18 March 2020 to 3 May 2020. These were succeeded by the CMCO that was effective from 4 May 2020 until the institution of the RMCO.

In this Update, the changes implemented by Regulations No. 7 and the various initiatives introduced by the Government to aid and relieve those affected by the COVID-19 outbreak are examined.

This morning, June 12, AMCHAM had a courtesy call on YB Dato’ Seri Azmin Ali, Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to discuss concerns of the American business community and the best way forward in restarting Malaysia’s economy.

It was a productive meeting with YB Azmin Ali which reaffirmed the discussion at EAC earlier this week to support Malaysia’s business-friendly environment without compromising health and safety. To expedite the entry of legal residents, reduce bureaucracy, and allow business-related travel to support existing and new investments.

Training plays a vital role in being a catalyst to an organisation’s growth and simultaneously contributing to the rebound and growth of the nation. In light of the current situation, training has a larger part to play in the economic recovery of the nation as upskilling and reskilling are critical in boosting the productivity, performance and business recovery especially post Movement Control Order (MCO) along with the COVID-19 impact. This guideline will specify the requirements for training to be conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.