All licensed hawkers, small traders eligible for government micro-credit scheme — Association
KUCHING: Members of Kuching Samarahan Hawkers and Small Traders Association and Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) have been on the ground over the past week to distribute forms for business loans reserved or allocated for Chinese hawkers and small traders.
On its part, SUPP has been conducting seminars on the government loan programme — under 1Malaysia Hawkers and Small Traders Foundation — across the state.
According to Kuching Samarahan Hawkers and Small Traders Association chairperson Law Soi Gek, the scheme has been available for some time now and SUPP is helping to spread the news.
“However based on feedback gained during our walkabouts — a follow-up to the public seminars— we find that many are still oblivious to this easy microloan facility. Many of those from the Chinese community don’t know that the government is providing such a facility, or think that only government officers and the Bumiputeras are eligible to apply for it.”
On this, Law stressed that the facility is meant for all, including Chinese hawkers and small traders, with the amount applicable could range from RM5,000 up to RM20,000.
“The applicant only needs a business licence to qualify for the loan, which is fixed at four per cent and is repayable between two and five years.”
Law said the association and SUPP would continue to be on the ground next week going to areas that they had yet to cover.
“Those interested about the micro-loan facility can simply approach us during the walkabout,” she said.