KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has agreed to continue to provide an allocation of RM20 million to the Sarawak Business Federation’s (SBF) Business Recovery Fund (Bizfund).
Bizfund provides capacity building and enterprise development programmes for Sarawakian businesses.
“The Sarawak government has extended assistance to the business community in terms of power. We will continue to give 25 per cent discount to domestic consumers, 15 per cent to small commercial enterprises and 10 per cent discount to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
“In addition, of course we (state government) will continue to give you (SBF) the RM20 million next year,” he said.
He said this during the 4th Premier of Sarawak’s Industry Excellence Awards (PSIEA) 2023 presentation ceremony at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday (Oct 9).
In the 2022 State Budget, the Sarawak state government had announced a one-off special grant of RM20 million to SBF for the implementation of the Bizfund.
Meanwhile, SBF deputy treasurer and SBF Bizfund co-chairlady Anne Kung said the grant has enabled the business community represented by the 21 members in the SBF to recover from the effects of Covid-19 shutdown through capacity building programmes.
“The grant is unique in that the government has allowed the business community to make proposals as to the type of skills needed to develop their businesses.
“It recognises that the businesses themselves know best what types of skilled workforce they lack and provide an avenue to redress their problem,” she said.
Kung added as of August this year, the grant has enabled 2,569 beneficiaries to receive skills training and certification in a wide variety of skills, ranging from training to be registered tour guides, housekeeping, patisserie and bread making and conference management to support the tourism and F&B industry.
“The plantation sector, ICT association, and construction industry have also benefited through the various types of training,” she said.
She mentioned that a total of 93 programmes have been approved and implemented to date, and all member associations have benefited from the diverse and varied training.
“We have also tried to ensure no segment of the community is left out and we made attempts to have training to reach the rural population as well.
“With that, the Orang Ulu ladies have trained 100 ladies in their traditional weaving craft, and they are so grateful for the one-month intensive course that now enables them to find a way to earn a living,” she said.
Kung said about RM17 million of the grant has been utilised and there are already 30 more proposals waiting for the commitment to be reviewed and approved.
“After seeing the success of the programmes, many more are seeking help. Thus, with less than RM3 million left of this grant, we hope that the state government would continue this partnership with SBF with additional allocation in the forthcoming State Budget,” she said.
