KUCHING: The second package of Sarawakku Sayang Assistance will eventually trigger all the supply-chains to move towards recovery and contribute to the state’s economic growth.
Assistant Minister of International Trade and Industry, Industry Terminal and Entrepreneur Development (Mintred) Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais said the package was inclusive of everyone involved either directly or indirectly in the supply chain of any businesses in the state.
He said the aid package manifested the state government’s commitment to easing the financial burden of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs), micro enterprises as well as hawkers and petty traders.
The sector comprises manufacturers, retailers, suppliers, petty traders, self-employed businesses, transportation services, laundries and restaurants, among others.
Naroden also applauded the Prihatin Rakyat Economic Stimulus Package (Prihatin) by the federal government which was aimed at supporting micro entrepreneurs and SMEs that are also affected by the Covid-19 crisis and the movement control order (MCO).
“All these assistance are well thought of despite many who said it was done in a rush. It is not only meant to enable the people to put food on the table, but of equal importance is to encourage local spending.
“With consistent local spending taking place, local demand grows and this will automatically trigger local supplies to start producing again. Then, the farmers and the fishermen will start going back to their farms and rivers to grow and harvest to supply to the markets and pasar tamus, the restaurants, in the towns and cities.
“Apart from that, logistics like lorries, vans and pick-ups can start mobilising all these goods from the rural to the towns and to cities again. In other words, the whole supply-chains will be able to start moving and functioning again back to normal,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Naroden thanked both the federal and state governments under the leaderships of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for being able to come up with daring, serious, firm, far-sighted decisions for the good of the people.
He pointed out that some may feel that the assistance was not enough but reminded that the government was doing its very best and considering every aspect to contain and reduce the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.
