Awang Tengah: More financial aid available for SMEs in Sarawak

MIRI (March 30): The Sarawak government will continue supporting entrepreneurs and traders, including those in the small medium enterprise (SME) sector, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

Awang Tengah, who is also the Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak, said eligible traders can apply for various schemes, including microcredit and SME loans.

“To assist entrepreneurs, we will continue the microcredit programme, which is open to all traders, not just Bumiputera,” he told reporters when met during a Hari Raya gathering organised by Persatuan Melayu Miri (PMM) here yesterday.

He added that under the Sarawak Micro Credit Scheme (SKMS), small traders can obtain financing of up to RM10,000, while SMEs are eligible for up to RM50,000.

“For those who qualify, SMEs may also apply for loans of up to RM250,000,” he said.

Awang Tengah noted that graduates interested in venturing into business can benefit from grant-based programmes such as the Go Digital initiative, which offers grants of up to RM10,000 to help entrepreneurs acquire software and participate in digital commerce, including collaborations with platforms such as TikTok.

Earlier in his speech, he urged the Miri Malay community to actively develop halal food products with strong domestic and international market potential.

“If we look at today’s market, most halal certifications are obtained by non-Muslims, highlighting the huge potential of this sector,” he said.

He also encouraged entrepreneurs to embrace digital technology as a means of marketing their products, including to overseas markets.

Also present were Awang Tengah’s wife Datuk Dayang Morliah Awang Daud, Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Foreign Affairs deputy minister Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni, Miri Resident Galong Luang, and PMM president Radzali Alision.