BURSA MALAYSIA CONTRIBUTES NO NATIONAL DISASTER RELIEF FUND, SUPPORTS COVID-19 FIGHT

KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 -- Bursa Malaysia Bhd will contribute to the National Disaster Relief Trust Fund established under the Ministry of Finance to channel aid to disaster victims and cover expenses related to frontliners’ efforts in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

It said members of the exchange’s board and top management, including heads of divisions and departments, will voluntarily contribute between 10 per cent and 20 per cent of their salaries for three months beginning June 2021.

Bursa Malaysia has also pledged to match one-for-one the total amount contributed towards the fund to help maximise this fundraising effort.

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In a statement today, chief executive officer Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift said the exchange is in a fortunate position of being able to contribute to this national emergency.

“The outbreak, lockdowns and business closures have left many people far more vulnerable than ever before, and with inadequate financial support amid the ongoing struggle with the pandemic.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, we hope this small contribution can play its part in helping towards the relief efforts,” he said.

On another note, the exchange said through Yayasan Bursa Malaysia, over RM3.1 million has been contributed and pledged towards community-focused projects in areas impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

These efforts include enhancing healthcare capacity, providing sustenance for lower-income communities, as well as supporting upskilling and reskilling programmes for the disproportionately affected bottom 40 per cent (B40) income group communities.

“To enable school children to do home-learning, contributions have been made for the provision of devices and connectivity. Contributions have also been given to provide aid and sustenance to endangered animals,” it said.

Meanwhile, Bursa Malaysia has also proactively undertake various COVID-19 relief measures to facilitate the needed flexibilities and assistance to its listed issuers, market participants, and the wider community since March 2020.

“This includes various market control and relief measures to alleviate challenges surrounding the recovery of businesses and other market participants,” it added.

-- BERNAMA