With the pandemic still at large, every month feels like a year. As we enter the last quarter of 2020 in October, there’s a whole list of deadlines, government initiatives, and policies that are coming into effect this month that everybody needs to know. If you can’t keep track of all of them, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered – Here’s everything that you need to know about what’s happening in October;
1. Online E-census deadline is extended to 6 October
Online registration for the first phase of the national census was originally supposed to take place between 7 July to 30 September. However, due to the lack of response, the Department of Statistics Malaysia has extended this deadline to 6 October. Citizens who do not complete the report by this date will be visited by the E-census staff.
2. Census staff will go door-to-door for registration from 7 to 24 October
If you don’t fill up your E-census report by the 6th, you’ll be visited by the census staff who will conduct face-to-face surveys in the second phase of registration that will take place for two weeks between the period of 7 October to 24 October.
3. Micro-enterprises can start applying for GKP starting this month
Under KITA PRIHATIN initiative, the government decided to re-open applications for micro-enterprises and businesses that wish to apply for the Special Care Grant (GKP). Eligible micro-enterprises can apply between the period of 1 October to 31 October. The government will begin distributing this aid to businesses on 25 November.
4. Citizens can start applying for BPN 2.0 (the National Care Assistance Fund) on 15 October
The government also announced that there would be another round of BPN distributed to eligible members of the population. Citizens can start checking online starting 15 October to check their eligibility. If you are eligible but have never applied nor received your BPN money, you can start applying on 15 October.
5. BPN 2.0 will be distributed by the end of this month
When BPN 2.0 was announced, the government said that the aid would be distributed in two phases. The first phase is said to start by the end of this month. The second phase will resume in January 2021.
6. Repayment of loans will resume this month
The automatic deferred loan repayment plan, also known as the extended moratorium, that was introduced by the government in March was said to end in September. Those who are able to repay their loans are expected to do so starting 1 October. This includes both personal loans and housing loans.
7. Extension of the moratorium period for the unemployed
While those who are financially able to are required to repay their loans, the government also announced that those who are unemployed in 2020 can extend the moratorium period on their loans for an additional three months until December 2020.
8. Starting 1 October, action may be taken against those with expired road tax
During the MCO, the exemption period from the renewal of driving licenses and road tax was extended to 30 September. However, at the start of this month, action will be taken against drivers with overdue driving licenses and road tax by authorities.
9. DBKL starts abolishing parking meters, payments all made online
DBKL announced that they would abolish all physical parking meters and machines this month. If drivers park in public spaces, they must pay the parking fee via mobile apps like EZ SMART PARK, FIEXIPARKING, Wilayah Parking and M-CASH.
10. October public holidays
There are four public holidays to take note of this month:
- 3 October – Birthday of the Governor of Sabah (Public holiday for Sabahans)
- 9 October – Birthday of Melaka’s Head of State (Public holiday for those who live in Melaka)
- 10 October – Birthday of Sarawak’s Head of State (Public holiday for Sarakwakians)
- 29 October – Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Public holiday for all Malaysians)
Stay safe and stay informed guys!
Also read: Here’s Everything You Need To Know About PM Muhyiddin’s Kita Prihatin Initiative (23 September)
