KUCHING: Local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) welcome the Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance (BKSS) 6.0 announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg recently. But they are hoping for more assistance to be channelled to them.
Besides financial assistance, the SMEs think that there are other forms of assistance which the state government can look into to help them face the challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Among the 15 measures included in the BKSS 6.0 were incentives for B40 households and single individuals aged 18 and above and a grant of RM1,500 as well as discount incentives for small traders and petty hawkers who are registered with the local authorities through Sarawak Pay.
Mohammad Immarul Sapiee, owner of Budak Gemok Street Burger
I think the aid package is very helpful to those who really need it, especially families that have commitments. I personally feel what small businesses need is the ability to remain open so that we can generate incomes daily to roll out our capital. I also hope the state government can grant permits for small businesses to operate as street hawkers so that the councils will not fine us for having our stalls in the streets.
Gordon Tan, owner of Chubbs and Chill Company
The aid package is very good but I think the state government should give out cash assistance instead of using e-wallets. I think any form of assistance will help small businesses to survive for the time being. I hope that the costs of supplies and other things will not go up during this pandemic because these will burden us.
Azwan Rosdan, owner of Diet Fit Kuching
The state government is indeed generous in helping the people. As an entrepreneur under the supervision of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), I am very fortunate to be given guidance and privileges like rent waiver for my business during this difficult time. I hope assistance will also be channelled to gym operators as well trained and experienced coaches who are affected by the pandemic.
Ghaniy Kiew, co-founder of Raw Kitchen
Currently, I do not receive any form of assistance but I think it is good if you have support from the state government during this difficult time. Small businesses always worry about overheads, rental, cash flow and business continuity. So, the state government should look into these aspects. For example, rental rebates and salary subsidy can also be considered to ease the burdens of SMEs.
Nur Farah Hanim, operator of Ritz Kitchen and Intan Kek Lapis Sometimes it is easy to forget the small element in SMEs, that is, what we earn when we operate is what puts food on the table, pay the bills and so on. We need more help than just loans or credit micro schemes that often come with terms and conditions that will exclude many businesses that are trying to build themselves up. Small businesses need empathy and understanding from the governing bodies as financial aid must be something that can help lighten the load instead of adding more liabilities.
