Federal govt agencies urged to develop entrepreneurship in S’wak’s rural areas
LAWAS: Federal government agencies are encouraged to play their part and work together to develop entrepreneurship in Sarawak’s rural areas.
Works Minister Baru Bian said entrepreneurship had proven capable of enhancing the country’s socio-economy and also the creation of job opportunities.
“Successful entrepreneurs in the rural areas will help to bridge the income gap between rural and urban households.
“This is in line with the national development agenda, the ‘Shared Prosperity’ vision, which aims to make Malaysia inclusive and fair in its economic distribution,” Baru said when officiating at the inaugural Lawas Christmas Carnival at the town square here on Friday.
He added there were various government incentives and initiatives such as grants, funds, incentives and schemes provided for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in promoting and fostering entrepreneurial spirit in the country, including the rural areas. They include agencies such as Mara, SME Corporation Malaysia, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) and Tekun.
The two-day festival which ended yesterday, saw the visitor enjoy many activities such as zumba, choir competitions, sports events, seminars and courses, sales booths, and a Christmas concert.
The carnival was followed by Baru’s Christmas open house at Lawas Indoor Stadium.
Baru went on to say: “I intend to hold more carnival like this during every major festival. I believe this carnival can be a great attraction for tourists to come to Lawas.”
Lawas is known for its fertile highlands for the growing of many crops while its sea is rich in fishery resources.
“It also has high potential to become one of the top tourist destinations in the country given its strategic position between Brunei and Sabah. Cash crops such as pineapple, rice, pepper, coffee as well as the marine resources ‘ikan tahai’ (smoked
Successful entrepreneurs in the rural areas will help to bridge the income gap between rural and urban households. — Baru Bian, Works Minister
fish) have the potential to be developed further.”
Meanwhile, the Lawas Christmas Carnival organised by Ba Kelalan Service Centre was the result of cooperation with many parties, such as the Malaysia Bumiputera Contractors Association (PKBM), RTM, Lun Bawang Youth, Lun Bawang Association, CIDB and several federal agencies in Sarawak.
“It is a manifestation of the federal government’s commitment to empower Sarawak through the ‘Shared Prosperity’ vision.
The carnival organising chairman Zehegkiel Piree said the Christmas gathering was a platform that unites people of different races and religions in Sarawak.
“That is why we chose the theme ‘Christmas for All’,” he added.