BY JACINTHA JOLENE & JAMES WONG
KUCHING: Entrepreneurs in Sarawak are encouraged to utilize green financing facilities to support their initiatives in transitioning to sustainable business practices, according to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
He emphasised the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) as a crucial framework for small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) to adopt responsible and sustainable business practices.
In line to achieve net zero emissions for a resilient and sustainable future, the state government is actively promoting the development of the digital economy to foster innovation.
Awang Tengah stated, “The establishment of green technology businesses within a low-carbon and circular economy will generate new economic opportunities. I encourage our entrepreneurs to take advantage of the green financing facility to support their transition towards sustainability.”
These remarks were made by Awang Tengah during his speech at the Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Chinese New Year dinner, which also commemorated the Sarawak Entrepreneur of the Year (EOYS) 2023 event held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Wednesday, January 24. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated at the event.
Awang Tengah further announced that the Ministry of International Trade, Industry, and Investment (MITI) through InvestSarawak, along with its collaborative partners, has successfully secured RM1 billion in green financing for micro and SMEs in Sarawak, aimed at promoting the adoption of ESG practices.
Highlighting the potential for economic growth, Awang Tengah expressed his belief that Sarawak will continue to attract investments as an appealing and preferred investment destination.
He credited the positive investment climate to political stability and the government’s supportive, business-friendly, and responsive policies.
In light of this, he urged SMEs to capitalize fully on these business opportunities and contribute to both domestic and foreign investments in Sarawak.
Awang Tengah further disclosed that the ministry will continue to provide financial assistance in the form of soft loans through the Sarawak Micro Credit Scheme (SKMS), offering amounts of up to RM50,000, interest-free or at a low-interest rate, to entrepreneurs looking to expand or diversify their businesses.
Additionally, Bumiputra entrepreneurs in the manufacturing and services sectors can access soft loans of up to RM250,000 through the Small and Medium Industry Loan Scheme (SPIKS).
To foster entrepreneurship and encourage technology adoption, the Sarawak government is also offering grants through programs such as Graduan ke Arah Keusahawanan (GERAK), Usahawan Teknikal & Vokasional (USTEV), and the Go Digital Programme.
These initiatives aim to support graduates, school leavers, and businesses in starting and expanding their enterprises.
The event was attended by SCCI President Datuk Seri Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg, State Secretary Datuk Amar Abu Bakar Marzuki, Ambassador of France to Malaysia Alex Cruau, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching Xing Wei Ping, and SCCI Chinese New Year Banquet Dinner organizing chairperson, Angie Kueh.
