By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Aug 23: Minister of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah has requested for more financial assistance from the state government to help and support Sarawakian women excel in businesses.
With more financial support, she pointed out that it will enable women to participate in developing the state in a more holistic manner.
“With more and more highly educated women, we must give them better opportunities including in business. On top of that, they too can become leaders and successful entrepreneurs of tomorrow. We must not overlook their potentials,” she emphasised.
“Without encouragement, their ‘pulse’ will slow down and they will lack the confidence in wanting to excel. Financial support is a morale booster for them,” she added.
She highlighted this at the closing ceremony of Women Leadership Training Program (WLTP) ‘Voices to be Heard’ which was officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here.
Fatimah shared that the state government has allocated RM1 million as seed capital for women entrepreneurs this year in which only 200 eligible and successful applicants can receive RM5,000 grant each to venture into business.
“This is not enough if we want more women to participate in businesses. Maybe in the next State Budget announcement, we hope the amount will be significantly increased,” she hinted, noting that Abang Johari was concerned about the needs and plights of women.
“He (Abang Johari) is the architect of our digital economy and our revenue engineer. He is full of energy, efficient and works tirelessly to help the community including women in the state,” she lauded.
Fatimah reiterated that it was vital to create a safety net by empowering women with knowledge and skills so that they can help in developing Sarawak and be part of the digital transformation.— DayakDaily
