KUCHING, April 2: The Sarawak government has called on youths in the State to apply for the special fund which aims to develop and empower young entrepreneurs.
In making the call, Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the fund is meant for hawkers and small traders and is provided by the government and channeled through Bank Rakyat.
“The amount is RM50 million and it is open to the whole of Malaysia. As far as I am concerned, the amount of applicants and applications which were approved is quite high.
“Not only is it a good fund to help our small traders, but what is more interesting is the fact that it does not have many restrictions unlike loans which you apply from other commercial bank where they will strictly check on applicant’s status such as if they are blacklisted, Central Credit Reference Information System (CCRIS) and so on.
“This fund does not have much of a restriction because its purpose is to help those who were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Abdul Karim said at the Youth Entrepreneur Setup and Financing Programme today.
He disclosed that applicants who have successfully obtained the funds need not repay them back to the government.
This he said, is an outright gift to aspiring youths who wish to be successful entrepreneurs.
“However, those who’ve received the fund must come up with a report and the ministry will monitor their progress.
“To our youths who have their specific expertise, please come over to the ministry. Do not be shy to ask or check with us on what the ministry has that we can offer. This is what we are here for, to help our youths,” Abdul Karim added.
He further reiterated that this was also why the ministry has been actively engaging the youths through the Youth Entrepreneurs Setup programme so that some of these funds can be channeled to Sarawak’s small entrepreneurs.
The ministry is currently moving from one division and district to another where they can meet the youths who are mainly small entrepreneurs through town hall sessions.
He assures that other programmes will follow suit as the ministry is planning for more in order to expand and improve youth development.
Those interested to apply can obtain the form from the Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development ministry. — DayakDaily
