DAP: Release RM10,000 aid for SMEs

KUCHING: Sarawak DAP is urging the Gabungan Parti Sarawak government to release the RM10,000 one-off aid to all eligible smalland medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) immediately.

Its chairman, Chong Chieng Jen, said the government had also promised RM3,000 for microtraders, but many have yet to receive the funds.

“Although some did get the money, many haven’t. So I urge the state government to do it now,” he said at the state DAP headquarters here yesterday.

“Don’t give the excuse that because it is election time now, the caretaker government can’t release the funds to avoid accusations of vote buying.

“We, DAP, as the opposition in Sarawak, will not raise any complaints or accusations regarding the funds if the state government makes the payout during the campaign period.

“Go ahead and help the people and we will not make it an issue, as we know many businesses are waiting and need the money.”

Chong is DAP’s candidate for the Padungan state seat in the 12th Sarawak Election.

Earlier, Violet Yong, DAP’s candidate for Pending, said the funds were promised by caretaker Chief Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg under the Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance 7.0.

She said the GPS government’s announcement was “too good to be true” as SMEs were told that no application was needed and the money would be deposited directly into the accounts of active businesses in the state.

“Everyone was happy and eagerly waiting for the money since October until they made a second announcement on the stringent requirements, as well as submission of various documents and statements, making it a complicated process,” she said.

Yong urged the government to disburse the funds immediately or many would be forced to lay off their employees.