KUCHING: Reforms in the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives need to be undertaken including replacing its secretary-general to ensure the ministry’s goals are met as well as for the development of entrepreneurs.
Its minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar pointed out that as a minister, he is responsible to help the people.
“I lead (the ministry) for the benefit of the people and I do not choose to be led by others.
“And because of that, I have ousted the former secretary-general and replaced him with Datuk Mohammad Mentek,” he said in an interview with our reporter today.
According to him, the government has allocated RM200 million to his ministry through Tekun Nasional to assist entrepreneurs who were affected by the movement control order (MCO) and conditional movement control order (CMCO).
“In order to receive this assistance, entrepreneurs need to fill out 17 documents that have been set by Tekun Nasional, which I find very difficult.
“Accordingly, Mentek and I have shortened the document to just four —13 documents have been issued to facilitate the applicants.
“Apart from that, I also plan to amend the rule (under the assistance) involving individuals who are declared bankrupt because for me it is bureaucratic and impractical.
“How can a bankrupt individual be able to pay off his debt if he has no financial resources to start a business? They are likely to pay the debt if we give them a chance (business or employment),” stressed the minister, adding he would discuss this matter with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan.
Commenting on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Wan Junaidi said 85 per cent were from services and only 1.5 per cent was involved in agriculture.
“We still lack entrepreneurs in agriculture. In fact, plants like chilli and ginger are imported from China although such products can be grown in Malaysia, especially Sarawak.
“That is why I fully support the fertigation system inspired by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg,” he said.
Wan Junaidi also stated that he would also seek Parliament’s approval to develop unemployed youths into modern farmers (using smartphones).
