KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) will aggressively promote Sarawak’s unique products for international markets.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that Sarawak possesses unique products unavailable in other Malaysian states.
With an allocation of over RM200 million for last year, the ministry aims to support rural entrepreneurs through comprehensive strategies, including training, financial aid, and infrastructure development.
“The Ministry is committed to marketing these unique products internationally,” said Zahid during the Mini Rural Entrepreneurs Development Programme (Mini KUD) @ Kota Samarahan launch at Samarahan Square today (Feb 2).
Zahid, who is also the KKDW Minister, revealed plans to provide additional grants ranging from RM50,000 to RM100,000 to each of Malaysia’s 15,000 villages to encourage diverse product and service development.
In addition to these grants, Zahid announced a series of assistance programmes and initiatives spearheaded by KKDW and affiliated agencies such as Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Rubber Industry Smallholder Development Authority (RISDA), Community Development Division (KEMAS), and the Rural Entrepreneur Development Division.
Among the initiatives, MARA’s Express Contract Financing Scheme (SPiKE) 2024 will support 39 Sarawak recipients with RM6,536,000.00; RISDA’s Sarawak Entrepreneurship Programme 2024 will assist 537 recipients with RM3,832,500.00; KEMAS Sarawak’s Community and Skills Development Programme will benefit 7,606 recipients with RM1,407,500.00; and KKDW’s Rural Economic Financing Scheme (SPED) will provide RM889,000.00 to six Sarawak entrepreneurs.
