Deputy Premier: SME database gets greenlight from national council

Awang Tengah (second left), Zahid (centre) and others photographed during a press conference after NSDC meeting in Kuala Lumpur on March 31, 2023. Photo credit: Ukas

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31: A comprehensive database that merges all agencies overseeing matters related to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will be established, says Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

According to a report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), he said the proposed database was approved during the National SME Development Council (NSDC) meeting at the Parliament building here yesterday.

“Many agencies have their own data, but we need a comprehensive database that merges all agencies, including company registration.

“This is important because we want to know what programmes we can implement in an integrated manner so that there is no overlap and we meet the target group who need to be helped and given priority,” he told reporters after attending the NSDC meeting.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Awang Tengah, who is also the Sarawak Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED), further said a coordinating committee would be established at the Sarawak level to oversee all agencies related to SMEs in the region.

He said the committee would ensure that entrepreneurs and SME development can be coordinated.

Also present were MINTRED advisor Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais and acting permanent secretary Dzulkornain Masron. — DayakDaily