58% of micro businesses in Sarawak unregistered – assistant minister

KUCHING: More than half of traders and businesses under the micro category in Sarawak do not have licence or permit to operate, said Assistant Minister of International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais.

He said this was based on data received from local councils which shows a total of 44,015 traders and small businesses under this category.

“Out of this total, around 25,663 or 58 per cent have yet to register, meaning they do not possess licence or permit even though their business is done from home, at markets and roadsides. This total is huge.

“Because they do not possess license or permit, they are not eligible to get government assistance including Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS), the RM2,250 grant through the local councils, and disbursements by entrepreneur agencies in April and May,” he said.

Mohd Naroden said this during the launching of the ‘Jum Regista Bisnes Sarawakku Sayang’ programme organised by his ministry together with Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and Simunjan District Office, at Gedong Community Hall on Tuesday.

He said the programme seeks to invite entrepreneurs, especially those in rural areas, to get themselves registered as many do not have the required trading licence or permit.