PETALING JAYA, Jan 20 (Sin Chew Daily) — The economic assistance package PERMAI offers instant assistance to Malaysians and is capable of driving the economy, say economic experts.

They are of the view that PERMAI, which has been revised from the four stimulus packages announced last year and Budget 2021, can reach people and companies faster.

Tax expert Datuk Chua Tia Guan said it is not easy for the government to fork out RM15 billion under tremendous financial constraint.

The allocation is instant help for the people who are facing challenging time, he said.

"The instant aid is important. The aid loses its significance if it is not delivered at a time when people need the cash aid," he said.

Chua told Sin Chew Daily the announcement by prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on the stimulus package also covered a faster delivery of projects announced earlier. Some of the schemes to help people have also been extended.

Malaysians stand to gain further and ultimately the measures would help drive the country's economy, he said.

"Once people have the money to spend, there will be business activities. In a way, this will drive the domestic economy," he said.

Koong Lin Loong, chairman of SME committee under the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Malaysia (ACCCIM) urged small and medium enterprises to study the four economic stimulus packages released by the government last year and Budget 2021 as there were many schemes assisting them covering aid, loan and tax incentives.

He urged SMEs to find ways to look after their businesses and not to expect comprehensive aid from the government.

"The government has just announced its fifth stimulus package on January 18 based on the four stimulus packages announced earlier and Budget 2021.

"It has been revised to ensure the aids reach the people and companies faster.

"These are not new measures," he said.