SIMANGGANG: The Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) Sri Aman Branch expressed a strong commitment to strengthen strategic cooperation with the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) to further empower Bumiputera entrepreneurs at the grassroots level.
The commitment was highlighted during a casual engagement session involving SEDC Betong Region and the DUBS Sri Aman Branch committee, held here on Wednesday (Dec 17).
DUBS Sri Aman branch chairman Abdillah Majid conveyed his appreciation and gratitude to SEDC Betong for hosting the meeting, describing it as highly beneficial and an important platform for two-way dialogue with local entrepreneurs.
He said such sessions provide DUBS members with clearer insights into the roles, functions and initiatives of SEDC in supporting economic development and the empowerment of Bumiputera entrepreneurs, particularly in the Sri Aman area.
Abdillah also noted that the establishment of DUBS Sri Aman has brought various benefits to Bumiputera entrepreneurs by serving as a platform for unity, information sharing and strategic networking with relevant agencies.
“DUBS Sri Aman will organise more programmes with SEDC to continuously expose entrepreneurs in Sri Aman to available assistance, financing opportunities and capacity-building initiatives.
“At the same time, DUBS Sri Aman aims to implement more structured and systematic action plans beginning in 2026 and beyond, in line with the strong commitment and support of its members,” he said.
Meanwhile, SEDC Betong manager Mohd Aizat Dollah expressed his appreciation for the collaboration and constructive discussions with DUBS Sri Aman.
He hoped the cooperation would be further strengthened in the future, starting with briefing sessions and information-sharing on SEDC’s entrepreneur development programmes offered to DUBS Sri Aman members.
During the same session, SEDC Betong junior executive Sarawatie Spawi provided a detailed briefing on SEDC’s services, types of assistance and grant facilities available to support the sustainable growth of Bumiputera entrepreneurs.
Deputy chairman of DUBS Sri Aman Awangku Hafizi Awang Azaha suggested that SEDC diversify its financial products, including increasing the loan ceiling under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) to up to RM500,000.
He also proposed the establishment of a special fund for Project Performance Bonds, particularly for projects involving government agencies or government-linked companies (GLCs), noting that the current bond rate of about five per cent of project value poses a significant burden on Bumiputera contractors.
