DUN Sarawak: RM25 million to help women entrepreneurs develop businesses

KUCHING, Oct 12: Sarawak Government allocates RM25 million to provide easy lending facility to help women-led enterprises develop business operations and implement innovation in the coming year.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the allocation was approved through AFFIN Bank in cooperation with the Government of Sarawak and will be administered by the Ministry of Women, Children and Community Welfare.

"The easy loan facility worth RM25 million approved through AFFIN Bank in cooperation with the Government of Sarawak and managed by Ministry of Women Development, Children and Community Welfare will be established to support women-led enterprises in developing operations and implementing innovation", he said while presenting Sarawak Budget 2027 at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Conference today.

According to him, the easy loan facility is aimed at helping women-led enterprises expand their businesses, increase operational capacity and explore new opportunities through innovation.

Apart from the financing, the government also allocated RM9.49 million to the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED) to continue implementation of the Sarawak Micro Credit Scheme, Small and Medium-sized Industrial Loans Scheme as well as Special Assistance Fund.

"Programs such as Bumiputera Entrepreneur Enhancement Program (PUTERA), Incubator and Entrepreneur Guidance Center (PIBU) and Go Digital Programme will be continued with RM13.1 million allocation", said Abang Johari.

Additionally, the Government of Sarawak has also strengthened entrepreneurial development coordination through the Sarawak Entrepreneur Development Coordination Committee (SEDCC) which brings together 81 state-owned agencies, financial institutions and companies, with support from digital platform ENBASE.

Empowering entrepreneurs will also include digitisation, guidance and market access programs, while TEGAS will continue to foster innovation and the use of digital technology among local businesses.