The government will announce on Friday a more comprehensive and people-centric economic stimulus package that will enable all levels of society to face the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced today.

The prime minister said Finance Ministry officers are working hard to prepare the package.

“The government will try its best to ensure that all the people benefit (from the package), regardless of whether you are a taxi driver, Grab driver, farmer, restaurant operator, nasi lemak seller, goreng pisang seller, burger seller or daily-paid worker.

“Insya-Allah (God willing), no one will be left behind,” he said in a special address to the nation carried live over television networks and the social media today.

Muhyiddin said that as the prime minister he realises he has to shoulder the full responsibility for the overall well-being of the people.

“This is the trust I bear upon my shoulders. As a human being, I may not be perfect but I promise to do the best. Insya-Allah (God willing), with the blessings of God, we will be able to get over this huge challenge,” he said.

He expressed the hope that the frontliners will remain resilient, saying the situation they are up against is a daunting one.

The prime minister also said that he has instructed the Health Ministry to allow its staff to go on leave in batches and return to work afresh.

Volunteers from among private sector doctors and nurses and voluntary organisations will be mobilised as a relief measure, he said.

“I know that doctors, nurses and other hospital staff are in a state of fatigue. The same is true in the case of the police and military personnel on the ground. Take care of your health and be resilient in serving the country,” he said.