MIRI: The Sarawak government will continue to assist traders and entrepreneurs to ensure business sustainability amid a challenging economic environment, particularly following rising fuel costs and the prices of goods.
Among the key initiatives is the provision of easy loans through the Sarawak Micro Credit Scheme (SKMS) of up to RM50,000 for micro-entrepreneurs and small traders, as well as financing facilities of up to RM250,000 under the Small and Medium Industry Loan Scheme (SPIKS) for Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the manufacturing and services sectors.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said both schemes are offered at zero or low interest rates to ease the financial burden of entrepreneurs.
“Both initiatives will be continued to ensure that small and medium enterprises remain viable and that entrepreneurs stay resilient in the current challenging economic situation,” he said at a Hari Raya gathering organised by the Miri Malay Association here recently.
Awang Tengah, who is also Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, emphasised the importance of unity among the state’s multi-ethnic communities, particularly in Miri, which is known as a resort city with diverse ethnic groups.
“The government is working to ensure inclusive development for all communities here. We support our Malay associations, and we also assist other ethnic associations such as the Orang Ulu,” he said.
Meanwhile, Miri Malay Association (PMM) chairman Radzali Alision said that the state government has approved a plot of land measuring more than five acres adjacent to the Federation of Orang Ulu Associations of Malaysia (FORUM) building on Jalan Padang Kerbau for the construction of a new building for the association.
He said the new facility will enable more activities to be organised, as the existing building on Jalan Kipas is no longer able to accommodate the growing membership.
Established in March 1959, PMM is among the earliest Malay associations in Sarawak and continues to play an important role in strengthening unity within the local community.
