MELAKA: Bumiputera small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been urged to join the Galakan Eksport Bumiputera (GEB) programme to enable them to expand into global markets.
SME Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp) chief executive officer Noor Azmi Mat Said said of the country’s one million SME entrepreneurs, only 20 per cent are Bumiputeras, who are mostly focused on the local food and beverage market.
Speaking at a media conference after the launch of a self-service laundry at Taman Angkasa Nuri here by state Agriculture, Entrepreneur Development, Co-operative and Agro-based Committee chairman Norhizam Hassan Baktee, he said under the export promotion scheme, eligible Bumiputera SME entrepreneurs may obtain financing of up to RM500,000 for rental of premises, advertising, marketing and foreign certification.
He said SME Corp is also encouraging Bumiputrera SME entrepreneurs to explore new businesses such as in the digital sector in line with the rising popularity of e-sports games.
He added that RM16.7 million has been allocated for the Program Peningkatan Perusahaan Bumiputera (BEEP) in Melaka involving 116 SMEs, with 165 projects approved since its implementation in 2013.
This year alone, RM250,046 in BEEP grants has been approved for 18 SMEs in the state, he noted. – Bernama
