Opinion on the Comprehensive Economic Stimulus Package

KUALA LUMPUR, 6 April 2020 - Today, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced a comprehensive economic stimulus package known as Prihatin Rakyat Economic Stimulus Package or PRIHATIN, valued at a whopping RM250bil. Also known as the caring package, this comprehensive budget for all Malaysians aims to alleviate cash flow challenges as well as help businesses tide through this challenging period.

The global pandemic caused by COVID-19 has impacted the world and Malaysia in many ways. The Ringgit Malaysia has depreciated by 9% while the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index has taken a 20% hit. For the ordinary Malaysian, household income has also declined, leading to a surge in poverty level. The pandemic has also threatened the mental health of frontliners; and caused immense challenges to many businesses, including SMEs.

We are navigating unchartered waters and PRIHATIN is a timely measure for extraordinary times. As the PM said in his announcement – “this unprecedented situation requires unprecedented measure”. The allocated RM250bil is more than 3 times the amount allocated during the 2009 financial crisis. This demonstrates the commitment of the government in prioritising the wellbeing of the rakyat while also ensuring the survival of businesses impacted by COVID-19.

The package is designed based on 3 main thrusts:

1) Protecting for the welfare and well-being of the rakyat
2) Supporting the business
3) Strengthening the nation’s economy

Some key highlights

a) Wage relief scheme
To ensure that jobs are preserved and businesses remain sustainable, a form of wage relief is proposed. The government announced a wage subsidy of RM600 a month for three months for employers that face a 50% drop in business since 1 January 2020 and this is applicable for workers earning a salary of below RM4,000 per month. This is similar to the stimulus package announced by the Singapore government recently where 25% of monthly wages (up to a monthly salary cap of S$4,600) will be funded by the Singapore government for 9 months till end 2020.

b) Employees Provident Fund contributors aged below 55, can withdraw RM500 for up to 12 months
Stopping EPF contributions would not be a good move as EPF is meant for retirement. Reducing or cutting EPF contributions would affect the wellbeing of Malaysians when they retire. However, the stimulus package announced a programme allowing employers to defer, restructure and reschedule employers’ EPF contributions. This is expected to generate cash flow savings of RM10 billion. This proposal is certainly more palatable and is a welcomed move as it alleviates cash flow constraints, while also ensuring retirement savings are not significantly impacted.

c) Deferment of tax instalment payments for Small and Medium Enterprises
In the first stimulus package announced in February 2020, businesses in the tourism industry such as travel agencies, hoteliers and airlines were given a deferment of their monthly tax instalment payments for 6 months, beginning 1 April 2020 to 30 September 2020. This is now extended to all small and medium enterprises but the extension is for 3 months from 1 April 2020. This proposal would assist SMEs in managing their cash flows but the impact may not be significant as affected businesses are now allowed to revise their estimates of tax payable earlier, i.e. in the 3rd month of instalment and with this facility, most businesses would have revised their tax estimates downwards.

Stay home stay safe!

About Deloitte

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more.

Deloitte is a leading global provider of audit and assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, tax and related services. Our network of member firms in more than 150 countries and territories serves four out of five Fortune Global 500® companies. Learn how Deloitte’s approximately 264,000 people make an impact that matters at www.deloitte.com.
 

About Deloitte Southeast Asia

Deloitte Southeast Asia Ltd – a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited comprising Deloitte practices operating in Brunei, Cambodia, Guam, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – was established to deliver measurable value to the particular demands of increasingly intra-regional and fast growing companies and enterprises.

Comprising approximately 340 partners and 8,800 professionals in 25 office locations, the subsidiaries and affiliates of Deloitte Southeast Asia Ltd combine their technical expertise and deep industry knowledge to deliver consistent high quality services to companies in the region.

All services are provided through the individual country practices, their subsidiaries and affiliates which are separate and independent legal entities.

About Deloitte Malaysia

In Malaysia, services are provided by Deloitte PLT (LLP0010145-LCA) (AF0080), a limited liability partnership established under Malaysian law, and its affiliates.