KUALA LUMPUR (April 9): Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (Gerakan) kicked off the #BforB (Business for Business) platform, designed to assist local business transformation and preparation works for post-Movement Control Order (MCO) recovery.
#BforB is a business advisory platform that aims to build a collaborative environment for Malaysian businesses.
In a statement today, Gerakan Deputy secretary-general cum project head Gary Lee reiterated that local businesses have to take measures to reset, reinvent, reconnect and realign the supply chain in order to reboot the country’s economy.
“Taking China as an example, Gerakan foresees that local businesses may still suffer, even after the stimulus packages kick in and reopening post-MCO. A lot of companies are already finding it hard to manage the current pause in business. It is no longer going to be business as usual.”
Quoting Bank Negara Malaysia’s forecast, Lee said a projection of up to -2% gross domestic product contraction this year is expected due to the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, in the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity, he said.
Gerakan SME Bureau, tasked to facilitate the #BforB project, foresees continued demand in hygienic items such as personal protection gears and sanitisers.
During this challenging time, Gerakan urges local businesses that possess relevant resources to join the ecosystem and support each other to create a more sustainable business environment for Malaysians.
Lee added, “Our MCO measures are showing its effect and hopefully when we flatten the curve, businesses will be allowed to resume operations. We call on businesses to take initiatives to change their operations, business model and offerings now to ensure business sustainability.
“Considering the global fight against this pandemic, we should also look at ways to fill the gaps in the supply chain and manage the growing shortage of essentials. We can provide tools, methods and platforms for owners to be back in business and ultimately get more people back to work. We hope to connect businesses to address both these issues and also tap the export market.”
The business advisory platform will be available to local businesses of all sizes for consultancy as well as coordination of services.
The scope covers Business Transformation and Management Advisory; Back to Work SOP & Guidelines; Factory Transformation & Processes; Application of Permits, Licenses; Application for Stimulus Package; Branding, PR & Media Relations; Transportation, Logistics & Delivery; Levelling up Businesses to Digital Platforms and Legal Advisory.
The #BforB platform was formed with volunteering efforts put in by Gerakan members who are mostly professionals or business owners in various fields.
“We wish to build a master repository of local businesses and assist them in identifying collaborative opportunities. We hope business owners will come on board and register at Gerakan SME Bureau’s #BforB advisory platform so we can all make it through this challenging time together,” said Wendy Subramaniam, deputy secretary-general of Gerakan.
The platform will be activated in phases starting with the Central Region (Selangor and Kuala Lumpur), followed by Phase 2 — Northern Region (Perak, Kedah, Penang and Perlis), Phase 3 — Southern Region (Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor), Phase 4 — Eastern Region (Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu) and Phase 5 — East Malaysia (Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan).
Businesses can reach Gerakan’s #BforB Business Advisory Hotline via Whatsapp text or voice messaging at 011-1435 0124, via email at [email protected] or at #BforB’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/B4B-Business-for-Business-101169301558529.