RM164m distributed to 1,866 entrepreneurs

SEREMBAN: SME Corp Malaysia has approved 1,866 grant applications for a total of RM164 million under its Bumiputera Enterprise Enhancement Programme (BEEP) as at last month.

Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan said under the programme, Malacca received the most BEEP grants, with RM24 million distributed to 327 entrepreneurs.

This was followed by Terengganu (RM25 million to 196 entrepreneurs); Penang (RM17 million to 146 entrepreneurs); and Negri Sembilan (RM16 million to 148 entrepreneurs).

“Grants to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the food and beverage sector were the highest under the programme,” he said.

He said this after a visit to Hajjah Aminah Food Industries Sdn Bhd, here, today.

Ahmad said BEEP would continue to help Bumiputera entrepreneurs nationwide.

He said the country had 645,000 SME entrepreneurs, of which 37 per cent were Bumiputeras.

“The number is still small. Of the 37 per cent, 88 per cent are in the micro category, with sales of not more than RM300,000 and employing five workers.

“Bumiputera entrepreneurs still need to improve,” he said. Bernama