KOTA SAMARAHAN: Local entrepreneurs should venture into the franchise industry given its great potential to grow.
In making the call Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the government had for a long time realised that franchising is one of the fastest ways to increase the number of local entrepreneurs and promote the industry in the country.
“In addition, this industry also plays an important role in the recovery of the country’s economy, especially involving efforts to create job opportunities,” he said during the inauguration of Smart Reader Kids Taman Desa Ilmu, Saturday (March 11).
He added that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Living Costs together with the Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) and Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (Pernas) have implemented various franchise development initiatives and programmes.
According to Uggah, these include the Franchise Financing Scheme; Franchise Development Assistance Fund; Small Franchise Financing Scheme and Franchise Development Programme and Local Franchise Products.
“The ministry has also set a target for the industry to grow between 20 and 30 per cent this year,” he said.
He also informed that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has urged more local entrepreneurs to exploit the rapidly growing industry.
“So far, Sarawak only has 11 franchise companies involving food and beverage, health, wellness and service categories.
“According to MFA, until December last year, a total of 1,154 franchise brands were registered with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Living Costs.
“Brands from Malaysia have also established themselves in 72 countries,” he explained.
In that regard, he praised the franchisee of Smart Reader Kids Taman Desa Ilmu, Sylvia Thomas Salang, for daring to venture into the field of educational franchising.
“Therefore I hope that more entrepreneurs, especially the Dayaks, will follow in her footsteps,” he added.
