RM3,000 aid for BizFair participants
increase household income among rural folk, the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), an agency under the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry, has introduced the BizFair Programme.
The programme, to be conducted nationwide, aims to help rural folk run small businesses by providing a RM3,000 incentive in the form of goods and utensils.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, said earlier, the allocation for the programme was only RM600,000, but he requested for SSM to increase the amount.
“SSM agreed to increase the budget to RM5 million. This amount will help rural folk, not only in the Larut parliamentary constituency, but also elsewhere in the country.”
He said instead of handing over cash, the ministry would buy items necessary for the businesses.
“For instance, if they wish to run a nasi lemak business, we will buy them cooking utensils, such as pots,” he said at the launch of the programme at Batu Kurau Square here. Present was SSM chief executive officer Datuk Zahrah Abd Wahab Fenner.
SSM has outlined 10 industries for small entrepreneurs, such as beverage or furniture shops, bakeries, burger stalls, kuih stalls, orchards, wedding DJs as well as sewing, photography and house repair services.
Ten booths were opened at the event to assist applicants and brief them on the financial aspect of the programme. Perbadanan Nasional Bhd, Maktab Koperasi Malaysia, SME Corp, SME Bank, Bank Rakyat and Tekun were among companies that participated.
Hamzah, who is Larut member of parliament, said he hoped such an initiative would encourage rural folk to start a business or improve their current businesses.
“Food prices in villages are cheaper compared with other places, but they only get a small margin. With our aid, we hope to increase their margin, production and sale.
“Those who have chosen to be part of this programme will be interviewed by SSM officers after a year to gauge the effectiveness of the programme and to improve it.”
He said the people should be thankful to the government for helping them by introducing various programmes, initiatives and incentives through its agencies.
“We should be grateful as the government not only decides the price (of goods) and manages the economy, but there are many other things that the government has done, including this programme.
“We should also be grateful for living in a peaceful country led by Barisan Nasional, which is fair to all. I want the people to understand what Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is doing.”
Speaking to more than 300 visitors, Hamzah said he hoped rural folk nationwide would grab this opportunity, adding that by doing so they would not only help themselves, but also help their family and the economy.
The two-day event, which kicked off on Friday, included various activities, such as talks on the importance of registering business, business promotion slots and lucky draws.