By Nur Ashikin Louis
GEDONG, April 30: Sarawak will soon have its own commercial bank to assist small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs), says Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking during a Majlis Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri programme here, he said this might be realised by the end of this year.
“When our economy has increased, the private sector participation will occur, including the SMEs.
“The problem is that sometimes our SMEs cannot get financial loans despite having good projects. This may be due to the bank not approving their applications.
“That is why I am working on (solutions) that maybe within this year or by the end of the year, Sarawak will have its own commercial bank to assist our SMEs,” he said.
He further said he could not announce the details as the matter is still being negotiated.
He also mentioned that most of the commercial bank’s targeted group would be Sarawakian SMEs to serve as a catalyst for developing SMEs in the region.
Amongst those present were Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development I (Infrastructure Development) Aidel Lariwoo who is Sadong Jaya assemblyman, Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee, Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris and Advisor to Ministry of International Trade, Industry & Investment Sarawak Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais. — DayakDaily
