FOR this year, the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development has allocated RM500,000 under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) to implement micro-assistance to women household heads and single mothers in the form of cash as business capital.
Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said to enhance the economic status of single mothers and low-income women, the ministry provided various skills training in the form of short-term courses conducted in person and online.
“For those affected by Covid-19 either in terms of business or socio-emotional, the ministry implemented the ‘Bounce Back Your Businesses’ programme, which contains three components, namely basic knowledge of online marketing, entrepreneurial motivation, and product packaging design.
“From 2021 to May 22, 2022, eight sessions were conducted online, face-to-face and hybrid in Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah and Bintulu. The number of participants who benefitted from the course was 188.”
She said this when delivering her ministerial winding-up speech at the DUN sitting on today.
She said in 2022, the ministry partnered with the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) to hold a Women’s Career Carnival aimed at giving employers the opportunity to introduce jobs available in their companies, help women entrepreneurs to register their businesses and share information on business assistance.
“The carnival was held for the first time on March 5 and 6, in conjunction with the state-level Women’s Day celebration in Miri, and a total of 14 women were offered jobs at the time.
“Twenty-two people successfully registered their business licenses and permits. Nine agencies also briefed on the services and types of assistance provided by their respective agencies. A similar carnival will also be held in other parts starting June in Kuching.”
