ENSURE FAST-TRACK IMPLEMENTATION OF STIMULUS PACKAGE -- MINISTER

PETALING JAYA , March 12 (Bernama) -- Serious efforts should be made to
ensure fast-track implementation of the second stimulus economic package,
International Trade and Industry Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said Thursday.

"This is in view of the unusual economic situation where nobody can predict
what is going to happen by end of the year," he said at a media conference after
a dialogue on the stimulus economic package.

Muhyiddin said implementation of the second economic stimulus package should
go down to the bottom level to ensure that the projects are executed.

He said there was also a need to draw the support of Malaysians from all
walks of life, especially businesses, to spur domestic consumption and boost the
economy.

He also said that though the manufacturing sector was disappointed in not
getting much from the package, especially in terms of loans and grants, the
government was looking into their complaint and will consider their needs on a
case-by-case basis.

On the incentive given in the mini budget for owners of cars of at least 10
years old to purchase new ones at a discount of RM5,000, Muhyiddin said to help
the automotive industry, financial institutions should arrange to make car loans
more accessible.

Concerning the current state of second-hand car prices, he said: "It should
be dictated by the market and left entirely to the industry. It is a willing
buyer and willing seller market." (US$1=RM3.64)
-- BERNAMA