SONG: The state government through the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment is continuing to implement various programmes to empower Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said among these programmes are the Digital Entrepreneurship Programme, Basic Entrepreneurship Programme, Technical Entrepreneurship Programme, Food Certification and Handling, ‘Jum Regista Bisnes’ Programme and products promotion through expos and the mass media.
He also called on entrepreneurs to use social media as a communication tool to improve their businesses.
“I also call on entrepreneurs in the district to venture into new businesses and identify business opportunities that are available to meet customer demand,” said Awang Tengah in his speech read by ministry adviser Datuk Naroden Majais at the ‘Jum Regista Bisnes’ programme here recently.
He said the Sarawak government was very concerned about the plight of the people including SMEs during the Covid-19 outbreak and hence allocated RM6.7 billion under the Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) to help financially and non-financially.
He added that Sarawak is also the only state in Malaysia that provides a 3.5-year interest rate subsidy scheme to SMEs under the Special Relief Fund SRF, Targeted Relief and Recovery Facility (TRRF) and PENJANA Tourism Fund (PTF).
“In addition, our ministry is also leading the implementation of the Business Empowerment and Recovery Fund (BizFund) to help more than 36,000 entrepreneurs through financial assistance, capacity building and product promotion programmes,” he said.
Earlier, Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan thanked the ministry for organising the programme which gave opportunities to entrepreneurs in Song who have yet to obtain business licences.
He said the objective of the program is to provide awareness and knowledge to the participants, guide and help register businesses.
