KAPIT: The Sarawak government has provided interest rate subsidies for three and a half years for the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the state.
According to a report from the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh said the subsidies, which are approved under the Special Relief Fund (SRF), Targeted Relief and Recovery Facility (TRRF) and PENJANA Tourism Fund (PTF) schemes, have helped as many as 3,335 SMEs with a total interest rate subsidy of RM76.1 million.
Mussen said the majority of the business community is made up of SMEs which represents 97.2 per cent of the entire business community.
“Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia that provides an interest rate subsidy scheme for three and a half years to eligible SMEs under SRF, PTF and TRRF.
“Until now, this ministry has channeled RM9.3 million for the implementation of 84 programmes that benefit 3,350 B40 groups, micro-entrepreneurs and SMEs.
“This ministry has provided infrastructure facilities for local entrepreneurs to further boost their business activities,” he said.
For the record, this REGISTA Programme was held in Bintulu, Serian, Sibu, Samarahan and Marudi and more than 2,200 entrepreneurs have been assisted and successfully registered their business through it.
Mussen added that the programme in Kapit is very helpful for the SMEs community in the area as it brings many benefits to both participants and entrepreneurs alike.
Also present was the Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Laws and Customs) Jefferson Jamit Unyat.
