MRCA Members Meeting

MRCA Event

MRCA Members Meeting

MRCA held a virtual session for its members to provide updates on key matters and the latest developments in the retail industry over the last several months.

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n welcoming MRCA members to the virtual session, Shirley Tay, President, said that since business operations resumed in the retail industry and with more sectors being allowed to operate recently including dine-in for F&B outlets, many retailers would be busy sorting out the necessary processes to function fully.

She expressed her appreciation to retailers for taking the time out of their busy schedule to attend the monthly meeting. She added that as retailers faced tough times amidst the several phases of movement restriction orders (MCO), MRCA is constantly cognisant of members’ needs and has members’ best interests in mind. “I hope with the relaxation of restrictions announced by the government in the past few days, you will be able to regain your momentum quickly,” she said.

PRESIDENT’S PREAMBLE

Shirley shared that MRCA council members are all focused on achieving the six major objectives of the association for the welfare of its members and the retail industry. “I am happy that the much-awaited launching of the F&B Division was done with a bang on 28 July. The timing was perfect,” she beamed, talking about the launch which was officiated by Datuk Nancy Shukri, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

“The F&B division, along with other divisions and chapters, will work on more activities aiming to help our members in all possible ways,” she added.

Shirley explained that MRCA has been in constant touch with the authorities, government agencies and other trade associations as well as coalition groups on a bigger scale to discuss pressing issues affecting the businesses of members. She shared that MRCA recently engaged with KPDNHEP and vaccination programme authorities.

Another matter of concern that MRCA raised to the authorities was the general lockdown on all businesses which is not practical, and should have been implemented on a localised basis. She highlighted that after the constant engagement with the government, the government is now agreeable to classify lockdowns based on the severity of COVID-19 positive cases.

“We have also been talking to the government to regulate the two largest food delivery platforms in view of the high commissions charged to F&B operators. We were not happy that our members were not able to survive,” Shirley highlighted.

“KPDNHEP has been calling these two big players to engage with them to explain how commissions are being charged,” she added.

Additionally, MRCA has also been raising concerns to the government on the clarity of SOPs and to have a one-stop centre so that business establishments can easily obtain the latest updates. The association has also been continuously pushing the government to provide rental relief, and will continue to pursue this matter for the benefit of members.

MITI has been providing guidelines and SOPs, specifically for the manufacturing sector. In the past, the high penalties levied on manufacturers had been a cause of concern while operating conditions and restrictions have not been entirely clear. In view of that, MRCA has been urging the government to provide clear guidelines and to provide an avenue to appeal fines or penalties.

MRCA is also working closely with Industry Unite (IU), which has 130 trade organisations in its fold. Presidents of various trade associations have come together to clarify SOPs and regulations in view of the relaxation of restrictions.

Shirley reminded the members that despite the challenges faced, MRCA continues to push for education and learning opportunities for members, especially in digitalisation, through the MRCA Academy.

In an effort to provide accurate data to the government and industry groups, MRCA has conducted three surveys which include the Malaysian Quarterly Retail Sales Survey, the MRCA FMCO and National Recovery Plan Business Impact Survey, and MRCA Members Survey on Rental Issues. The surveys have successfully highlighted the severity of issues faced by retailers and provided the government with an accurate picture of the retail industry.

Shirley also expressed her deepest gratitude for the contributions of members towards MRCA’s charity drives, namely the MRCA Sungai Buloh Hospital Relief Fund Donation Drive, the MRCA & DSAM Support White Flag Charity Drive, and “Spare Your Coins for Charity” Donation Drive.

She urged members to continue to work towards restoring business operations and to reach out to MRCA for assistance if required.

OTHER UPDATES

Over the last two months, MRCA has clocked in 31 activities which include a combination of engagement sessions with the government, webinars and trainings. MRCA has been actively working to speed up the vaccination programme among retailers so that businesses can resume operations.

During the meeting, members were also updated on HRD Corp’s latest revisions to the PSMB Act 2021 which stipulate that it is compulsory for organisations with 10 or more workers to register with HRD Corp. Upon joining, employers will receive financial assistance, certain government fundings, consultancy, allowances and access to various resources.

In supporting environmental conservation, MRCA attended a meeting with the Ministry of Environment and Water, together with several other organisations to discuss the appointment of two agencies for the disposal or repair of electrical and electronic items.

A meeting with the Prime Minister’s Department was held alongside other associations to relay the dire straits of retail business owners, the increase in closures of businesses, cash flow problems and the inability to resume business operations.

Concerns were brought up to KPDNHEP on fake products being sold on Shopee and Lazada, which is a challenge for members who are trying to build their brands.

MRCA also attended a meeting organised by MITI and representatives of Bank Negara Malaysia, to discuss HIDE applications and initiatives.

The Women’s Division organised several events that included a mental health talk, and yoga sessions for the benefit of members.

The Youth Division’s activities included an ongoing membership drive, and webinars on digital marketing through TikTok and social media marketing, as well as talks on marketing campaigns and skills, among others.

MRCA Academy’s updates included several initiatives including webinars on branding, the survey exercises, business recovery talks, dialogues on national recovery plans, and a conference on tech and innovation by INTI International University, among others.

An update on MRCA’s membership revealed that the association has 435 members comprising 233 ordinary members, 184 associate members and 18 affiliate members. New members joining MRCA in July were welcomed into the organisation, while new applications were announced for the information of members.