ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC CRISIS ON MICRO ENTERPRISES IN MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN KLANG VALLEY, MALAYSIA

Abstract Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the impact of the pandemic on micro-enterprises in the manufacturing sector in terms of business operations and production in Klang Valley. Design/Methodology: An online self-administered questionnaire was distributed randomly to 121 micro-enterprises focusing on Klang Valley's manufacturing sectors. The questionnaire is developed based on previous research conducted on the impact of Covid-19 on business. The qualitative content analysis approach was adopted to analyze the results. Findings: Based on the results, the female contributes 57% in the micro-enterprises compared to male. The study focuses on the food manufacturing microenterprises, which comprises about 43%, followed by textile, about 13%. During the pandemic period, 44.3% of the micro-enterprises faced minor difficulties in managing their production and their business operations, in which the majority of them agreed there is a significant increase in the consumer demand for specific products. Although movement control order being enforced, there was an adequate supply of the raw materials to the essential based micro-enterprises. However, about 59% of the micro-enterprises verified no planning on the new recruitment, and they look forward to increasing their engagement in the e-commerce platforms. Micro enterprises are also expecting special government grants to help them to boost their business operations and production during the pandemic period. Research Limitation: The study has small sample size, and therefore it can be extended by increasing the number of respondents in other sectors in micro-enterprises and geographical areas. Practical Implications: This research provided the policymakers with the appropriate policies to aid the difficulties faced by the micro-enterprises in their business operation and production. The policymakers should consider providing benefits in digital platforms to stimulate consumption among the consumers instead of targeting the other perspectives