With the current “total lockdown” phase of the National Recovery Plan 2021 extended indefinitely until the Phase 2 benchmarks are met, the two popular aid measures from last year could soon be announced.

In a Facebook post, Tengku Zafrul hinted as much by saying he had met with both EPF and Bank Negara Malaysia over the last week.

“Recall the events of last year, when this government for the first time in history introduced i-Lestari, i-Sinar and an automatic loan moratorium to help the people face the challenges of Covid-19.

“With the advent of the National Recovery Plan, this is the right time for us to return to such initiatives to help the people and businesses.

“The government has never stopped helping the people and always tries to think of solutions.”

Tengku Zafrul had made a similar assertion last night in relation to EPF withdrawals and an automatic moratorium, posting on Facebook that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and the relevant government agencies were aware of people’s desire for the two measures to return.

This comes after vaccine coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin hinted on Thursday that another aid package was on the horizon.

“I believe the prime minister will be making the announcement soon on a big economic assistance package,” Khairy said. However, he did not offer details.

Muhyiddin, in announcing the indefinite extension of the movement control order 3.0 this morning, said he would announce details of a comprehensive assistance package tomorrow or on Tuesday.

He said there may be an increase in the form of assistance extended, especially to help small- and medium-sized enterprises and this may include a loan moratorium for the T20 eligible group.