KUCHING, Feb 11: Various financial assistance and initiatives are available for those whose livelihood is affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan.
He said, besides financial assistance and initiatives from the federal government such as PRIHATIN, PENJANA and PERMAI packages the Sarawak Government has also provided both financial and non-financial assistance through five packages of Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) worth about RM3.14 billion.
“This includes the additional RM141.7 million financial assistance for the SMEs which Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has approved recently under BKSS Package 5.0.
“Those SMEs who need financial assistance can apply for loans under Sarawak Micro-Credit Scheme (maximum RM50,000), Targeted Relief and Recovery Facility (maximum RM500,000) and PENJANA Tourism Financing (maximum RM300,000) where the interest for 3 and half years will be subsidised by the State Government.
“For B40 entrepreneurs, they will enjoy zero interest for their loans up to a maximum of RM10,000 under Sarawak Micro-Credit Scheme,” Awang Tengah said in his Chinese New Year message.
Awang Tengah, who is also Minister of International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development, added that there are also incentives for graduates and school leavers who want to start up or expand their businesses.
“They may apply for grants up to a maximum of RM20,000 under USTEV or GERAK. SMEs who wish to go onboard digital marketing and e-payment can apply for a grant up to a maximum of RM10,000 under Go Digital Program from my Ministry,” he said.
On another note, Awang Tengah wished the Chinese community to have the strength, diligence, dependability and determination, qualities which are derived from the Year of the Ox.
“I hope these qualities of the Ox, according to the Chinese Zodiac, will help us to overcome future challenges and build a better Sarawak for ourselves and our children,” he said.
He added that this Chinese New Year celebration will be very different from the past years due to Covid-19 pandemic.
“The enforcement of MCO and CMCO no doubt has caused hardship to all of us, but it is necessary so that the pandemic can be contained.
(But)…with vaccines on the horizon, I hope all of us will be able to return to our normal lives soon. And Sarawak Government has made a commitment to ensure that every Sarawakian will be given the vaccine for Covid-19 free of charge,” he said.
Awang Tengah reiterated that in complying with the SOP issued by the State Disaster Management Committee, the coming Chinese New Year will be celebrated only with immediate families, limited to a maximum of 20 persons at a time.
“While we may not be able to celebrate the Chinese New Year together with our extended family members and friends from near and far, we can take comfort that advanced technology such as video conferencing and social media will allow us to remain in contact during this festive season.
“As we celebrate the Lunar New Year, we also like to thank our front-liners who have shown great courage, dedication and professionalism in combating the pandemic to keep us safe. Let us all celebrate this Chinese New Year under the new norm by strictly adhering to the SOP. I hope the Year of the Ox will begin a new cycle of hope and success to all of us,” added Awang Tengah. -DayakDaily
