KUCHING: Several initiatives have been announced by the Sarawak government in the Sarawakku Sayang Special Aid Package to assist Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), traders and hotels at these trying times during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg explained that the Sarawak government would waive the permit and licence fees for traders, hawkers, night market traders, Tamu and bazaar Ramadan operators.
He said the waiver would benefit over two million permits and licensed holders under various local authorities throughout the state.
“This will ease the burden of the people and cost the state government RM8.24 million for the year 2020,” he said.
Abang Johari added there would be 50 per cent discounts for rentals of market and stalls covering a period of six months up to Sept 2020.
This assistance is expected to benefit more than 10,000 hawkers renting markets and stalls under the purview of the local councils.
“In addition, as a measure to ease the cash flows of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and lessen their financial burdens, we have decided to defer the loan repayments for nine months effective April 2020.
“This will benefit 144 outstanding Small and Medium Industries Loan Scheme (SPIKS) borrowers and improve the cash flow of SMEs amounting to RM1.3 million,” he said.
Abang Johari added that on top of the existing RM30 million micro-credit fund, the state government would offer additional RM20 million for SMEs to expand and sustain their businesses.
“The hotels and lodging houses are also not left out; there will be a one-off waiver for hotel licensing fees for 17,289 hotel rooms throughout the state for the year 2020.
“The incentive will benefit over 340 hoteliers and lodging houses and cost the state government RM386,630,” he explained.
In addition, he said there would be 50 per cent discounts for rentals of Housing Development Corporation (HDC) houses covering a period of six months up to Sept 2020.
“This assistance is expected to benefit more than 3,200 customers who are renting HDC houses throughout Sarawak,” he said.
