MEDAC is in talks with MKN to put micro entrepreneurs and informal business operators in the priority list for the vaccination programme

ByContributor LNAJune 24, 20211 Mins read49

PUTRAJAYA 24 JUNE 2021 – As entrepreneurs and informal business operators are in the service sectors that directly deal with the public, they too should be recognized as front liners. Therefore The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDAC) is currently in talks with the National Security Council (MKN) to put micro entrepreneurs and informal business operators in the priority list for the vaccination programme.

Its minister Dato Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said for the national immunisation programme to be truly effective, MKN must also acknowledge sectors – other than health, security and defence – with similarly high level of exposure to COVID-19 spread. He said this also include the front liners working in economic sector, such as those working at the counters in banks, the customer service staffs as well as petty traders selling food and beverages to the public.

“When I was appointed as the minister of MEDAC, my priority is to look into the interest of micro and informal businesses because their plight and grievances are rarely heard and yet they account for a huge portion of the SME sector.

These groups are the ones who are closely dealing with the public, which makes them highly exposed to the spread of the virus. They too should be given priority to get the vaccination. We hope MKN can assist us in this,” said Dr. Wan Junaidi in a statement released today.

Dr. Wan Junaidi also said that both he and MEDAC Secretary-General Dato’ Suriani Dato’ Ahmad have written to The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) to arrange for vaccinations for the micro and informal business operators.

“MEDAC top management will discuss this matter with representatives from COVID-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) this Friday on how we can help these group to get vaccinated,” he added.

There are currently close to 2 million micro and informal businesses all over the nation, which provides employment to more than 7 million people. More than 78 per cent of the country’s SME sector comprise of micro businesses.