Putrajaya, 6 May 2020 – A survey by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) revealed that 96.8 percent of Malaysians benefitted from the Prihatin Rakyat Economic Stimulus Package (PRIHATIN) announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The findings also revealed that 68.2 per cent received three forms of assistance, 13.9 per cent received two and 17.9 per cent received only one.
Chief Statistician Malaysia Datuk Seri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the analysis presented in the survey covered individual opinions (qualitative) on economics, employment, life patterns and education.
“Through Prihatin, a total 70.1 per cent of respondents felt the stimulus package was effective as it reduced financial burdens during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.
“In the midst of Covid-19 pandemic, 90.9 per cent of respondents reckoned that it is important to prioritise health and life, followed by income with 4.6 per cent and 4.5 per cent want life to return to normal,” he said.
The survey also found that 96.1 per cent of respondents were satisfied with the services of frontliners and the health facilities provided by the state governments in combating Covid-19.
Meanwhile, 96.3 per cent said their lifestyles were affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic and 92.9 per cent or 38,455 respondents were prepared to maintain the current lifestyle after the end of the MCO and beyond.
“In terms of education, the majority of respondents (54.5 per cent) stated that internet access to online learning was average.
“Most schools and universities have implemented online learning and from the survey, 46.3 per cent of respondents said it was efficient from 7am to 12pm,” read the statement.
The findings from this survey were to help the government and Malaysians handle the effects of Covid -19 on the economy and life patterns.
“The analysis shared is based on respondents who participated in the survey and does not represent the views of all Malaysians.
“It should be interpreted with caution to evaluate the effects of Covid-19 in Malaysia. It is not official statistics. However, it can be used to give Malaysians an idea of the current situation.
“With the liberalisation of the MCO, a majority of Malaysians will no longer perform their duties as usual and need to adapt to a new culture of norms in life including work and everyday activities, ” he said.
The full report of this survey is accessible via DOSM’s website at www.dosm.gov.my or from social media, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @StatsMalaysia.
-New Straits Times
