The world of Tzu Chi August 2020 (Vol.125)

TZU CHI 125 07 Once crowded with tourists, Petaling Street in downtown Kuala Lumpur had become unusually quiet following the implementation of the MCO. on the condition that the employers refrain from retrenching staff. The report also revealed that the unemployment rate in Malaysia has increased by 42 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2020. The organization found that 37 percent of businesses were experiencing a drop in demand and 42 percent were not operating as usual. Moreover, statistics have shown that Malaysia’s unemployment rate rose from 3.9 percent in March 2020 to 5.3 percent in May – an increase from 610,500 jobseekers to 826,100 within two months. The Department of Statistics (DOSM) highlighted that the most affected employed persons were in the manufacturing and services sectors, namely accommodation; food and beverage; the arts, entertainment and recreation and other services such as beauty centres and salons. DOSM chief statistician Dato’ Seri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin added that the reactivation of more trade sectors during the Recovery MCO beginning June 10 is predicted to spur businesses and steer the improvement of the job market, especially in the travel and tourism industries. Adapting to the Times