KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 11): The government has opened a special mediation centre in Putrajaya today to help resolve disputes if contractual obligations cannot be met due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan (pictured) announced in a statement today that the measure was in line with the Temporary Measures for Reducing the Impact of Coronavirus Diseases 2019 (Covid-19) Act, which has already been gazetted.

Takiyuddin said the relevant bill was passed in the Dewan Rakyat on Aug 25 and in the Dewan Negara on Sept 22.

"The arbitration carried out through the centre is open to all, with the disputed sum limited to RM300,000 and below,” he said in the statement.

Takiyuddin said the Act would benefit individuals and companies that are economically affected as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is aimed at reducing the impact of Covid-19 among the people, whereby they could seek justice via arbitration, he added.

He said disputing parties can resolve matters without involving a court hearing through the Covid-19 mediation centre, which is established under the Prime Minister's Department.

"The government will subsidise the cost of the arbitration for the B40 and M40 groups, and micro and small industries,” he said.

Takiyuddin said the disputes covered concern the following contracts:

1 Construction work contracts or construction consulting contracts and any other contracts relating to the supply of materials, equipment or construction workers;

2 Performance bonds or the equivalent issued pursuant to a construction contract or supply contract;

3 Professional services contract;

4 Lease or rental of non-residential immovable property;

5 Event contracts for the provision of any venue, accommodation, facilities, transportation, entertainment, catering or other goods or services, including any business meetings, incentive trips, conferences, exhibitions, sales events, concerts, shows, weddings, parties or other social gatherings or sporting events, for participants, attendees, guests, patrons or spectators for the assembly or event;

6 Contracts by a tourism enterprise; and

7 Contacts relating to religious pilgrimages.

The minister said that those who want to check their eligibility should go to the official website at www.pmc19.gov.my. .

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