RM25m for women in business to expand ventures

SIBU: The Sarawak government has set aside RM25 million to help successful businesswomen expand their ventures to the global market.

The fund, which was announced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, will be deposited into Affin Bank and then distributed to women entrepreneurs who apply for loans to expand their businesses.

“Successful women entrepreneurs are looking to expand their ventures globally. That’s why I’m providing this special allocation to help women entrepreneurs in the region further develop their businesses to the global level.

“I believe with this initiative, approach, and innovation, they can succeed,” he said at a press conference after officiating at the 2024 Sarawak Women’s Day celebration here today (Aug 10).

Abang Johari also urged women to emulate the founder of The Body Shop, Dame Anita Roddick.

“I take this as an example because we in Sarawak have biodiversity resources that can be used to add value to our biodiversity materials.

“If The Body Shop (developed a business) from plants, then here, of course, with the use of the latest technology, women can further empower their position in the sectors that Sarawak is currently developing,” he added.

At the programme, Abang Johari also said that the Sarawak government will continue the RM2.3 million Capital Grant Assistance for Women’s Empowerment initiative next year (2025).

Also present were the Premier’s wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Well-being Development Sarawak Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, Fatimah’s deputies Datuk Rosey Yunus and Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam; Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee; and State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.