KUCHING: The Sarawak Government has to date allocated over RM204.3 million through the International Trade, Industry and Investment Ministry to support 37,599 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including youth entrepreneurs, under a range of targeted programmes.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said these initiatives have played a key role in helping Sarawak entrepreneurs kick-start, expand, and formalise their businesses, while also supporting digital adoption and global market access.
He pointed out that among the programmes are the ‘Graduates Towards Entrepreneurship’ (GERAK) and ‘Technical and Vocational Entrepreneurs’ (USTEV) schemes, the ‘Go Digital’ programme, the Sarawak Micro Credit Scheme (SKMS), the Small and Medium Industry Loan Scheme (SPIKS), the Capacity Building and Promotion Programme, and the ‘Jum REGISTA Bisnes’ initiative.
“I hope Sarawak’s entrepreneurs will continue to seize these opportunities to grow their businesses and remain competitive in global markets through the initiatives provided by both the Federal and Sarawak Governments,” he said in his speech at the officiating ceremony held at Sarawak Sports Village today.
In light of this, he also acknowledged the role of the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) and SME Corporation Malaysia in supporting MSMEs through both financial and non-financial assistance.
He noted that these include the Tunas-i programme, the Bumiputera MSMEs Financing Initiative (BMFI) under the Bumiputera Enterprise Enhancement Programme (BEEP), and the Bumiputera Export Promotion Programme (GEB).
“These Federal Government initiatives have benefitted 5,055 MSMEs in Sarawak, with total assistance amounting to RM20 million,” he said.
Awang Tengah further affirmed that the Sarawak Government continues to welcome strategic collaboration with federal agencies to empower and accelerate MSME development.
“We hope SME Corp Malaysia will remain committed to advancing various entrepreneurial initiatives in Sarawak, including the commercialisation of SCORE 2.0, improving market access, and facilitating business matching through Sarawak Connect at the international level,” he added.
