Awang Tengah: RM14.6 mln approved for BizFund programmes to assist S’wak entrepreneurs

MIRI (Aug 7): The state government has so far approved RM14.6 million for the implementation of 150 programmes under the Business and Recovery Fund (BizFund) to help entrepreneurs in Sarawak, said Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

The Deputy Premier highlighted that of the amount, RM4.6 million was approved for the Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS).

“My ministry has been tasked to lead the implementation of programmes under BizFund, which aims to provide assistance in the form of financial grants for business associations in Sarawak to carry out either capacity building programmes or business improvement programmes for their members,” he said in his speech at a dinner held in conjunction with the DUBS Sarawak delegates meeting at a leading hotel here last night.

Awang Tengah’s text of speech was read by Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat.

Adding on, he said that the federal government, through the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (Kuskop), has established the district-level Council for Entrepreneur Development, Cooperatives, Hawkers and Small Traders (MPUKPPD) across the country.

The MPUKPPD, led by the district officer, is tasked with overseeing the development of entrepreneurs and cooperatives at the district level, while also addressing issues related to entrepreneurs more effectively and efficiently, he added.

“The state government, however, has established the Divisional Entrepreneur Development Councils (MPUB), chaired by the deputy Resident to plan, coordinate and monitor entrepreneur development programmes at the division level.

“As such, an engagement session was held between the Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development and the state government on June 25, during which it was agreed that MPUKPPD Sarawak would utilise the existing platform that is MPUB, chaired by the deputy Resident,” he said.

He expressed hope that all entrepreneurial agencies in the state would continue to be active in the Sarawak Entrepreneur Development Coordination Committee (SEDCC), MPUB and MPUKPPD.

Awang Tengah said there are about 89,000 registered micro, small and medium enterprises (PMKS) in Sarawak.

Meanwhile, DUBS Sarawak president Datu Abang Helmi Tan Sri Ikhwan said the state government remains committed to helping Bumiputera entrepreneurs in Sarawak.

“This year, our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has given 20 machineries to help our contractors stay competitive in business,” he said.

Also present at the dinner were Miri resident Jamali Busri, DUBS Sarawak vice president Roselyn Long Lah, and DUBS Miri chairman Mohamad Hafidz Rohani.