MEASURES to help businesses and individuals cope with the current economic downturn can be expected soon, said the Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr George Yeo.

Speaking at the North East CDC district meeting on Saturday, he said that while some of these announcements will come through the Budget in February, the matter is urgent enough for some policies to come earlier, in the coming days or weeks.

'Worldwide the tide has been flowing out, and it is important that in our own lagoon there is enough water to keep us going... Not the same high tide we used to enjoy, but some water in the lagoon to keep us afloat. That means helping individuals in difficulties, helping SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises)', said Mr Yeo.

He gave no hint though on what to expect.

Back in 2001, the two off-budget packages amounting to $13.5 billion in total were offered. They accelerated expenditure on economic and social infrastructure projects, cut business costs by granting more property tax and rent rebates, and cut utility, education and hospital costs, among others.

In April 2003, the government introduced a $230 million relief package to help businesses cope with the Sars outbreak.

For now, help at the grassroots level is aimed at keeping residents find jobs and also extend a helping hand to families in need.

The North East CDC launched two such efforts on Saturday.

Mayor for North-East CDC, Zainul Abidin Rasheed, said that in the 'last two weeks alone there has been a 25-30 per cent jump in the number of jobseekers turning to the CDC for help and we expect the numbers to grow'.