KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 11): The government has opened a special mediation centre in Putrajaya today to help resolve disputes if contractual obligations cannot be met due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan announced in a statement today that the measure was in line with the Temporary Measures for Reducing the Impact of Coronavirus Diseases 2019 (Covid-19) Act, which has already been gazetted.
Takiyuddin said the relevant bill was passed in the Dewan Rakyat on Aug 25 and in the Dewan Negara on Sept 22.
"The arbitration carried out through the centre is open to all, with the disputed sum limited to RM300,000 and below,” he said in the statement.
Takiyuddin said the Act would benefit individuals and companies that are economically affected as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is aimed at reducing the impact of Covid-19 among the people, whereby they could seek justice via arbitration, he added.
He said disputing parties can resolve matters without involving a court hearing through the Covid-19 mediation centre, which is established under the Prime Minister's Department.
"The government will subsidise the cost of the arbitration for the B40 and M40 groups, and micro and small industries,” he said.
Takiyuddin said the disputes covered concern the following contracts:
The minister said that those who want to check their eligibility should go to the official website at www.pmc19.gov.my.
Ends.