KUCHING: A total of 20 entrepreneurs from the Satok constituency received machines and equipment worth about RM332,830 under the Agriculture Facilitation Fund (AFF) programme at a handover ceremony held at the Satok Constituency Service Centre here today (June 13).
Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki said the assistance was aimed at strengthening small-scale agricultural-based businesses and improving the productivity of local entrepreneurs.
He said the recipients were mainly involved in food processing and traditional kuih production businesses.
“Today, we handed over machines and equipment to 20 entrepreneurs in the Satok area. This is the second phase of assistance under the AFF programme for agricultural-based entrepreneurs in Satok,” he said during the handover ceremony.
Ibrahim, who is also Deputy Minister of Utility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and PETROS), said the equipment provided included kuih-making machines, freezers, coconut shredding machines and other processing tools commonly used by small entrepreneurs.
“Most of the recipients are involved in producing kuih and food products. We hope this assistance will help them expand their businesses and improve their production capacity,” he said.
He added that the allocation for the second phase amounted to approximately RM332,830, while the first phase previously distributed was also valued at around RM300,000.
According to him, preparations are now underway for the third phase of the programme this year, pending approval from the Department of Agriculture.
“We are still waiting for the Department of Agriculture to screen the new applications and inform us of the results. Hopefully, the process can be expedited,” he said.
Ibrahim also noted that several new applicants had been referred to the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) N8 Satok Economic Bureau to coordinate their applications with the Department of Agriculture.
He said the AFF initiative reflects the government’s continued commitment to supporting grassroots entrepreneurs, especially those in the agro-based sector, by providing the necessary tools and equipment to enhance their livelihoods.
