Course Title/ Code:

PRINCIPLE OF ECONOMICS (UFC 1002)

Title:
Issues in Malaysia and Impact to the Economy

Topic:

Impacts of COVID-19 to
Malaysia Economy
Lecturer:
EN FAHMI BIN TARIKUDDIN

Name of students:

Name Matric
Number

MAZLYFARIZA MOHAMAD UFA 230254

DIANA BALAKRISHNAN UFA 230234

DINITHA KUMAR UFA 230249

TABLE OF CONTENT

CONTENT PAGE NUMBER

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose Pg 3
Pg 3-5
1.2 Background

2.0 DISCUSSIONS

2.1 Impact to the Malaysian Economy Pg 6 - pg 10

Pg 10- Pg 13
2.2 Solution by the Government
Pg 13- Pg 15
2.3 The Effectiveness of the Solution

3.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Pg 15- Pg 16

4.0 REFERENCES Pg 17
1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE

The report aims to highlight the impacts of COVID-19 as well as to evaluate and
to discuss the solutions taken by the Malaysian government on this case and the
effectiveness that has been contributed through the solutions taken by the
Malaysian Government in combating COVID-19 especially on the economy state
of the country.

1.2 BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially refers to the illness caused by SARS-CoV-
2, a novel corona virus that first appeared in Wuhan, China in 2019 and quickly spread
throughout the world, as COVID-19.Persistent cases of acute respiratory with unclear in
nature has been detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China since December 12,
2019.The infection is thought to have originated at the Hunan South China Seafood Market.

The majority of virus-infected individuals will recover from mild to moderate respiratory
infection without the need for additional care. Nonetheless, a small percentage will get
really sick and need medical care. Serious sickness is more likely to strike the elderly and
those with underlying medical disorders such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease,
or chronic respiratory diseases. With COVID-19, anyone can get sick, get very sick, or pass
away at any age.

Chinese researchers used the most recent gene sequencing technology to isolate the
unidentified virus sample from an infected individual on January 7, 2020, and sequence its
genome. According to their findings, the virus shared 70% genetic homology with the
severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus (SARS-CoV) and 96.3% genetic similarity
with the RaTG13 corona virus from Yunnan bats.The World Health Organization (WHO)
said on January 12, 2020, that a novel corona virus identified in 2019 (2019-nCoV) or
SARS-CoV-2 was the source of this epidemic outbreak, and they dubbed the illness corona
virus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Unfortunately, the origin of SARS-CoV-2 came from is yet
to be answered.

Transmissible spongiform encephalitis (TSE) is a highly contagious disease that can

spread rapidly from one person to another. Initially, it was thought that SARS was
transmitted from animal to human through direct contact with intermediate hosts. The
transmission of SARS can also occur through the consumption of infected raw or semi
cooked meat. COVID-19, also known as corona virus, is an animal virus that has
undergone mutations that allow it to enter and replicate in the human body, where it can
spread rapidly throughout the human community. Asymptomatic and symptomatic infected
individuals spread the virus through droplets in oral fluid, mainly airborne through coughing
and sneezing.

Being knowledgeable about the illness and the virus's mode of transmission is the best
defense against it and a means of reducing its spread. By keeping a minimum of one meter
between people, donning a mask that fits properly, and often washing hands or using an
alcohol-based rub, it can be prevented in curbing this virus. Vaccination is advised for all
the citizens so the spread of the virus can be limited and prevented way before.

STATISTICS OF THE WORLD FOR THE COVID-19 CASES

Daily New Confirmed Covid 19 Cases Per Million People

The Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) recorded 5,251 COVID-19 cases, including 86
deaths and 2,967 cases of recovery as of April 17, 2020.Selangor, Malaysia, has had the
most confirmed COVID-19 cases (1,338) to date (17th April 2020). Because to the huge
number of positive cases identified in certain locations, the government declared 27
districts as red zones, including Lembah Pantai (592), Hulu Langat (446), Petaling Jaya
(366), Seremban (288), Kuching (255), and Kluang (221).On March 16, 2020, the number
of positive cases surpassed 553, prompting Malaysia's Prime Minister to issue a Movement
Control Order (MCO). To slow the spread of COVID-19, social distancing was to be
implemented for 14 days (18th March to 31st March 2020). The government has prohibited
people from traveling to neighboring states or COVID-19 impacted areas since March 18,
2020. Only one individual from each family might leave the house to buy necessities.

The government imposed a "Enhanced Movement Controlled Order (EMCO)" for specific
locations in Kuala Lumpur, including Kluang, Hulu Langat, Menara City One, Selangor
Mansion, and Malayan Mansion, which will be in effect until April 28th, 2020.Residents
under EMCO were not allowed to leave their homes as the government provided food to
impacted resident, Visitors aren’t allowed or to enter COVID-19 affected regions. Health
officials had to screen all of the residents for COVID-19. The Ministry of Health discovered
a new cluster of COVID-19 cases in Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan. To date, the MOH has
reported 29 viral clusters in Malaysia.100 since March 14, 2020.To date, the MOH has
reported 29 viral clusters in Malaysia. The MOH reported 69 COVID-19 positive cases on
April 17th, 2020 [21], the first time the number of cases was less than 100 since March
14th, 2020.

BELOW IS OUR COUNTRY MALAYSIA PROFILE OF COVID CASES

Active cases in Malaysia till September 2023

 Daily deaths per day til October 2023

2.0 Discussions

2.1 Impact to the Malaysian Economy

The COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia has had a substantial impact on the Malaysian
economy, causing the Malaysian ringgit (MYR) to devalue and the country's GDP to fall.
The epidemic also had a negative impact on various vital industries, including
entertainment, markets, retail, hospitality, and tourism. Aside from shortages of goods and
services, many businesses had to deal with social isolation and lockdown limitations, which
hampered their operations and earnings. The pandemic also brought to light workplace
safety issues and the abuse of foreign labor in Malaysian industry.

Due to Covid-19, Malaysia economy were affected and during movement restrictions, some
industries had to close and were unable to function normally, which had an effect on
employment and the economy's resilience. The major Impact to Malaysia country is Impact
of Growth Domestic Product (GDP), Impact on employment and Impact on Tourism.

2.1.1 Impact on Growth Domestic Product (GDP)

Growth Domestic Product or GDP is the total worth of the goods and services generated
inside a nation's borders over a given time period, usually a year. A key metric for assessing
a nation's economic health is its GDP growth rate. It is also recognized as a traditional way
of measuring the value added produced in a nation over a given time period through the
creation of goods and services. As a result, it also accounts for the revenue generated by
such production, or the total amount spent (minus imports) on finished goods and services.
During Covid-19 Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP) has fallen by 17.1% the moment
government announce the movement of control order (MCO) or known as lockdown.
According to reports on February 11, 2021, Malaysia's GDP contracted by 3.4% in the
fourth quarter of the previous year. Furthermore, Malaysia's economy shrank 5.6% in
2020—the worst showing since the Asian Financial Crisis of 1998.The growth domestic
product (GDP) was decreased -5.6% in 2020; however, it recovered to 8.7% in 2022.
As per Bank Negara Malaysia predicts, GDP will be decreased between 0.5% and 0%.The
anticipated value of GDP losses in relation to Project 2020 is between RM 38 billion and
RM 102 billion. During MCO, industrial output is projected to decrease by 40% to 70%, with
the manufacturing sector experiencing a projected 8.6% negative growth.

2.1.2 Impact on Employements

As the number of COVID-19 cases increased in neighboring and trading partner countries,
disruptions occurred even in the early stages of the virus's spread in Malaysia, an open
economy heavily dependent on international trade.
Due to the daily number of cases in Malaysia rose rapidly in March, the Government
imposed the first phase of two weeks long MCO in order to contain the virus and flatten the
curve of the infection. As a result, there was an abrupt decline in the main economic
activities, and only companies providing necessities could continue. Those in the workforce
who are employed in non-essential sectors chose to work from home, and those who were
unable to do so will quit their jobs entirely, whether they were paid or not.

From the establishments' point of view, regardless of the volume of output generated,
business expenses had to be covered. On the other hand, households struggled to make
ends meet despite uncertain income. Online survey was done on both individuals and
businesses while the majority of employees continued to receive their regular income, over
90% of the self-employed respondents reported a decline in their income. According to
these results, a total of Malaysia's 2.7 million own-account workers could lose their jobs or
see their pay decrease. Below shows the effect of COVID-19 outbreak on employment till
March 2020.
 Effect of COVID-19 outbreak towards income by status in employment, March 2020

The survey also revealed that the majority of respondents (42.6%) were working
from home during the third phase of the MCO in April 2020, but a sizeable portion
(21.6%) were not in the workforce.

Effect of COVID-19 outbreak towards employment, April 2020

Through the Conditional MCO, majority of economic sectors had started to open and
with social distancing becoming a norm, things may not resume as usual. According
to the results of the special survey, over 40% of businesses stated they would
require more than six months to recover.

As a result, even after the pandemic ends, there could be a decrease in demand, a
disruption in the supply chain, and cost savings because there will be less labor
supply than demand for jobs, this will have an indirect pressure on the labor market,
which will affect each and every one of us in our daily lives.
 2.1.3 Impact on Tourism

Tourism is the most impacted. Visit Malaysia 2020(VM2020) campaign that aimed to attract
million tourists has been cancelled. Tourism contribute to more than 50% of expert trade-
in service. Approximately 27 million tourists visit Malaysia annually. This affected a few
sub-sectors; particularly accommodation, transportation and food & beverages.

Government predicted that the VM2020 campaign would bring in up to RM 100 billion in
revenue and 30 million tourists. However, given the COVID-19 crisis and the fact that
10.6% of the estimated target population are visitors from China, this would significantly
reduce both visitor numbers and revenue.

The number of tourists arriving in Malaysia during the first nine months of 2020 fell to 4.29
million from 20.1 million during the same period the previous year, a staggering 78.6%
decrease. 4.23 million tourists, or the majority of them, arrived prior to the borders closing
on March 18,2020. Consequently, the third-biggest source of revenue in the nation, tourism
receipts, fell 80.9% to RM12.6 billion from RM66.1 billion in the prior comparable period as
shown in Table 1.

Numerous hotels closed, and some businesses, including travel agencies, folded when
their funding ran out. After shopping, lodging was the second-highest contribution from
foreign visitors, and it suffered. Year 2021, the hotel sector alone is predicted to lose up to
RM6.54 billion in revenue. The average daily rate (ADR) is predicted to be RM196.69,
while the overall average occupancy rate (AOR) is expected to be 27.51%. This is shown
as in Table 2.
All modes of transportation have been impacted by the crisis, including buses, trains,
airplanes, cars, and public transportation in urban areas as well as international travel. By
the end of March 2020, global road transport activity was nearly 50% below the 2019
average, and by the middle of April 2020, commercial flight activity was nearly 75% below
the 2019 average.

The changes in transportation service and travel behaviour result in severe losses in the
transportation sector in Malaysia. Noticeable changes in travel behaviour and mode
preference during and pre-pandemic are observed, particularly on trips related to
work/school. Key pandemic factors concerning transportation were fear of infection and
social distance. Hence, most people prefer to use a private vehicle.

Due to less movement restrictions of COVID 19 it affected people’s mobility and and
transportation sectors globally. In general, transportation sectors involving air, rail and
public bus showed decreased demand and services. Most people prefer not to use public
transportation to avoid the risk of COVID-19 infection. Most other F&B establishments have
experienced dramatic declines in sales, between 70-90% on average. The majority of other
food and beverage establishments have seen sharp drops in sales, typically by 70–90%.
In Malaysia, F&B businesses (restaurants, cafes, and bars) have to make difficult choices.

Depending on where they begin and the steps their leadership teams take, some
restaurants and cafes will fare better than others. These actions can help these
establishments not only survive the current crisis but also position themselves to thrive in
the "new normal”. However, as the world comes to terms with new norms in a post-Covid
world, how well Malaysian F&B establishments fare will ultimately be determined by their
ability to adapt and innovate as quickly as possible.

2.2 Solution by the Government

As part of ongoing efforts to lessen the effects of COVID-19, the prime minister Tan Sri
Muhyiddin Yassin announced a new package on March 27, 2020. This RM 250 billion
package is intended to protect the welfare of the populace, aid small and medium-sized
enterprises, and boost the economy.

The PRIHATIN Rakyat Economic Stimulus Package (PRIHATIN Package) is an addition to

two economic stimulus packages announced earlier, as mentioned above. More incentive
package given by government under selected measures PRIHATIN Economic Stimulus
Package and government has been introduced.

2.2.1 Preserve Rakyat’s welfare

Allocation of RM 1.5 billion to support the curb of COVID19 Outbreak.In addition to the RM
500 million that was already announced, the Ministry of Health will receive RM 1.5 billion
in funding for the procurement of medical equipment and to pay for services such as for
the medical equipment, special allowance to front liners, purchase of equipment and
services from private hospitals and RM 600 allowances given for healthcare workers and
RM 200 for front-line employees including police, immigration, and customs officials.

Allocation of RM100 billions of Moratorium on loan repayment for 6 months which 65% will
benefit households of B40 of 25% and 20% households of M40.Allocation of RM 10 billion
of one-time payments for Bantuan Prihatin Nasional for B40 and M40 families that benefits
9 million household below < RM4,000 received RM1,600 and Above > RM4,000 to
RM8,000 receive RM1,000, whereas for single individuals 21 years old with income of
below < RM2,000 received RM800 and above >RM2,000 to RM4,000 received RM500.

A billion given to for free internet and to widen the coverage. All telecoms to upgrading the
quality of the network for free internet to all customers from April 1, 2020, until the
conclusion of the MCO.RM 6 billion has been allocated for the Wage Subsidy Program,
which benefits 3.3 million workers who make less than RM 4000 per year by giving them
RM 600 over the course of three months. One-off payment allowance of RM500 given to
civil servants including contract staff (grade 56 and lower) and government pensioner which
government allocate of RM1.2 billion. One-off cash assistance worth RM200 payment for
all students at higher learning institutions which government has allocated of RM270 billion
for assistance to students in Malaysia.

Allocation of RM 1 billion to the Food Security Fund and establish Food Security Fund to
ensure sufficient food supply for collaborations with NGOs to provide food and shelter for
elderly people and children, disabled people, Orang Asli, the homeless, and others, RM25
million in assistance to the most vulnerable groups was also given.

A withdrawal of RM 40 billion has been made from account 2 of the Employees Provident
Fund (EPF). The withdrawal amount can range from RM 500 per month to RM 6,000 over
a 12-month period.Comprehensive coverage of MySalam The COVID-19 income
replacement of RM50 per day during the up to 14-day quarantine period is available to
patients who qualify under the National Health Protection Scheme(MySalam).Suspension
on insurance premiums of three-month on family takaful and insurance premiums.For
COVID-19 testing, the insurance and takaful sectors will jointly contribute a special RM 8
million fund.A screening test in a private hospital or laboratory is available to all
policyholders for a maximum of RM 300.

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) will discount its electricity by RM530 million for a period of
six months beginning in April 2020. Approximately 50% of consumption is less than 200
kWh, 25% is between 201-300 kWh, and 15% is between 301 and 600 kWh under wage
subsidy program, employers can keep their workers with salaries under RM4,000 for three
months by participating in the program which worth of RM6 billion, that benefit 3.3 million
workers.

Government allows pre-retirement withdrawals from the Private Retirement Scheme (PRS)
of up to RM 1500 without imposing tax penalties and this will benefit employees making
RM 4,000 or less a month which subsidize by this program. Remunerations to e-Hailing
drivers, a one-time cash allowance of RM500 is given and 120,000 full time drivers emjoyed
the benefit which, as part of the first stimulus package, Rm600 were enjoyed by the taxi
drivers.
2.2.2 Support all business including SMEs

A total of RM120 billion would be made available to support businesses, including small
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A maximum of RM1 million in loans would be given
to each SME, with a maximum repayment period of 5.5 years. Repayment is not required
for the first six months.

Special additional assistance of RM4.5 billon allocated for microenterprises and SMEs in
addition to fund in SRF of RM3 billion with interest rate reduced from 3.75% to 3.5%.
Increase of RM1b in funding facility for the entire economy. An extra RM 500 million is
available through BSN's Micro Credit Scheme at a 2% interest rate with no collateral.
Financing up to RM300,000 also given to SMEs with businesses less than 4 years under
Credit Guarantee Corporation (CGC) and Increasing guarantee up to 80% for SMEs under
Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan Berhad (SJPP).
Under Employer Advisory Services including deferring, restructuring and rescheduling
employers’ contribution RM10 billion allocated which exemption of HRDF levy by RM440
million. Postponement of income tax instalment payment for SMEs for 3 months. Loan
moratorium of 6 month given by the Bank of which, 35% will benefit the businesses.
TEKUN, MARA, Cooperatives and other Government agencies will also provide similar
loan moratorium to borrower.

2.2.3 Strengthening and the sustainability of Malaysian Economic

growth

The implementation of small project for additional allocation to implementation of small

projects that benefit contractors under G1 to G4. The government also allocated RM2b for
the implementation of small projects under the First Stimulus Package. To expedite the
infrastructure and development projects and bring forward the implementation of all
projects allocated under Budget 2020 such as the East Coast Rail Line project, the Mass
Rapid Transit 2 project, and the National Ferberization and Connectivity Plan.

Malaysia Government has taken pro-active and responsive measures in balancing public
health, economic sustainability and the livelihood of the people by allowing several
economic sectors to operate subject to strict adherence to health and safety guidelines.
From food, beverage, agricultural, and fisheries, including imported items, pharmaceuticals
all chemicals and drugs production and household products.

2.3 The effectiveness of the Solution

As evidenced by the widespread media coverage, the COVID-19 epidemic has resulted in
significant societal and economic repercussions. Governments have responded with a
variety of initiatives to reduce COVID-19-related infections and fatalities in the pandemic
thus far. However, the effectiveness of the solutions isn’t as expected as most of them are
just covered on surface level. In the beginning of the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak,
it appeared to be winding down in many countries throughout the world, it is critical to offer
an initial quantitative assessment of the impact of current government initiatives on
pandemic control. The World Bank's COVID-19 High Frequency (HiFy) Household
Monitoring Survey was conducted between May 18 and June 16, 2021, to better
understand the distribution of impacts and the speed of recovery among Malaysians. This
nationally representative telephone poll included 2,210 adult respondents from all states.
 2.3.1 Citizen’s welfare is not covered fully

There is no doubt that the survey clearly indicates the unequal impact of COVID-19 on the
welfare of Malaysian households. The individuals who were already facing disadvantages
before the pandemic are now experiencing the most severe consequences. This
unfortunate situation has caused existing inequalities to become more prominent, and it
poses a risk of long-lasting negative effects on both the economy and society in the future.
Due to the rapidly changing pandemic, policymakers still require up-to-date information to
guide their decision-making. This information helps them identify areas that may need
additional resources or alterations in policy responses as the crisis unfolds. Having access
to such information plays a crucial role in monitoring and tracking the well-being of
individuals and households amidst the pandemic. Furthermore, it has the potential to
greatly enhance the government's relief and stimulus initiatives meant to safeguard the
most vulnerable and aid in the recovery process from this crisis.

Over the span of 15 months, the government has introduced eight large relief measures —
totaling over RM 850 billion—to alleviate the citizens’ hardship and to boost economic
recovery. As of mid-June 2021, nearly 60 percent of households have received government
assistance, including much-needed cash transfers, loan moratoria, tax relief, and other key
programs. Yet, a significant share of lower-income households had still not received any
assistance, despite experiencing food insecurity or income shocks. This suggests there is
room for improvement in the targeting and delivery of social assistance in Malaysia.

2.3.2 SMEs holders’ initiatives

SMEs play a crucial role, it should be noted that they are comparatively more financially
vulnerable than larger firms. This is due to their limited ownership of assets and cash
reserves, as well as lower productivity levels. They have been profoundly affected by the
Covid-19 pandemic. The most recent survey conducted by the Small and Medium
Enterprises Association (SAMENTA) reveals that a notable 34% of SMEs encountered a
substantial sales drop exceeding 20% in 2020, as compared to the previous year of 2019.
The Malaysian Government has introduced several initiatives aimed at encouraging the
digitalization of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). To illustrate, let's consider the case
of the PRIHATIN Economic Stimulus Package, which includes 28 initiatives primarily
focused on providing financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
MDEC formed partnerships with 237 domestic tech companies, encompassing network
providers, e-commerce platforms, and technology service providers. These collaborative
efforts aimed at providing discounts to encourage and motivate the digitalization of SMEs.

In spite of these measures, a mere 25% of Malaysian organizations ramped up their digital
transformation endeavors in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, while a substantial 60%
chose to decelerate. The reduced cashflow during this crisis strongly affects SMEs'
digitalization endeavors. Due to the prevailing financial restrictions, the feasibility of
substantial enhancements in SME digitalization amid the ongoing pandemic remains
uncertain. Despite the Government's encouragement of SME digitalization, there exist
obstacles that impede such endeavors. This also did not achieve 100 percent uptake due
to problems in disbursement as almost 40 percent of micro and small enterprises weren’t
even aware of the assistance provided by the government and financial institutions.

3.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

In essence, the three policies mentioned above will lessen the MCO's negative economic
effects. It might not be enough, though, to rescue Malaysia from its current economic
downturn. Monitoring is necessary to ensure that the aforementioned policies are effective
in keeping the rate of inflation and unemployment under control. It is significant to
remember aforementioned measures would raise public debt. On the other hand, because
of its long-term impact on employment, it will avert a solvency crisis among the businesses,
which will have long-term economic implications. Conversely, inflation may arise from the
economy's increased liquidity. Finally, economist Gale has noted that government debt can
be beneficial if it raises GDP. Giving cash flows to SMEs and individuals will boost
economic activity, which will raise GDP. Since receiving the first shipment of vaccines in
February 2021, the Malaysian government has made an effort to administer the COVID-19
vaccine and booster shots as soon as possible. A number of biomedical and safety
measures were also put in place by the Malaysian government in response to the global
COVID-19 pandemic.

After evaluating all the impacts, we have recommendations that shall be proposed for future
endeavor. Firstly, to be always prepared. Immediate and prompt actions are always needed
especially in national emergency state so things will be prepared and well organized for the
benefit of the whole nation and the citizens. During the announcement of the first case, the
whole nation took it lightly and only serious measures were taken a few months later
including the initiatives during COVID-19 lockdown periods. The effect of it can be seen
how citizens were not aware of the situation and ended up with panic buying resulting in
scarce limitations to people who can’t afford on monthly basis expenses. With secure
preparations and measurements, those can be avoided and also in future if we happen to
face any other situation as such.

Apart from that, it is recommended for government to draft and look thoroughly on all
aspects that are involved during such scarce situation. This will help the whole country to
be organized and not to leave out any sectors during the tough situation and also with
periodic initiatives given in phases. Although initiatives were given periodically, it wasn’t
done entirely as some of the sectors were being left out until the third or the fourth phase
that they were reevaluated again and considered in the schemes.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe negative influence on the world
economy in addition to overwhelming the healthcare system worldwide and altering human
social norms. Since there is currently no approved treatment for COVID-19, it is crucial to
stop its spread throughout society. Quarantine, social distancing, and hand hygiene are the
key components in stopping the spread in society so we can always curb the issue way
before as the saying goes prevention is always better than cure
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