Sarawakians urged to take up small businesses

KUCHING: Sarawakians are called on to take advantage of the business opportunities provided by the state government, and get involved in the small business sector.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said various aid packages have been extended by the state government to help small and medium entrepreneurs, such as the Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) 8.0 which ended last June and BKSS 9.0 which was announced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg last August.

“We do understand that during the previous time of Covid-19 pandemic, many small businesses were affected, and we are grateful that our Premier is always concerned and extends help to all parties, from small traders, hawkers to freight boats – this assistance involves an allocation of RM6.7 billion,” he added during the launching ceremony of the Aiman Mart here yesterday.

He said the state government considered small businesses as the ‘backbone’ of the state’s economic development, and that was why Sarawakians should think about getting involved in small businesses to take advantage of the opportunities available, noting that most companies in Sarawak are small and medium enterprises.

“What is important is that we are honest, sincere and work hard, so to help small businesses, we provide a micro credit scheme under the BKSS packages, where these loans are not subject to interest,” he said.

Also present during the ceremony were Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Deputy Minister Dr Ripin Lamat, Aiman Mart advisor Samat Othman and other officials.