SMF calls for government support in sustainability practices

THE Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) would like Budget 2022 to provide more funding for firms to adopt sustainable practices, among other suggestions in a wish list submitted to the Ministry of Finance.

Green solutions and sustainable practices could mean higher business costs, said SMF, citing examples such as installing solar panels and the sustainable sourcing of raw materials.

With the ongoing pandemic, rising costs will deal a further blow amid the already volatile climate of the manufacturing industry, said SMF.

These companies hope to see more government initiatives to finance the purchase and adoption of technologies and resources, in order to avoid passing down the cost to end users.

SMF also suggested having a longer grace period before strict enforcements of regulatory practices such as the Mandatory Packaging Reporting framework.

In response to the current strain on the manufacturing workforce, SMF also called for the government to consider funding workforce development efforts to attract and retain employees.

If granted, funding will be used to look into possible work and study programmes for tertiary students, as well as to defray costs of training courses.

SMF also requested support for employers of foreign workers, which can come in the form of additional tax relief for 2022 or a temporary reduction and/or partial reimbursement of levies.