By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 11: The Sarawak government through Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS) will launch the Sustainable Development Financing Scheme in line with its desire towards building a sustainable and green economy.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the scheme will be implemented next year with a financial provision of RM50 million.
“The scheme will be based on a similar concept of green and sustainable finance promoted by other financial institutions, that is primarily to finance decarbonisation efforts and support green transition initiatives.
“For a start, DBOS will only offer loan facilities to targeted eligible borrowers, particularly on small-scale initiatives that utilise technological innovation to drive sustainability efforts.
“As for larger-scale financing, DBOS may act as a facilitator or establish a collaborative approach with more established financial institutions in driving access to sizeable green or sustainable finance,” he said when tabling the Supply (2025) Bill, 2024 during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today.
Abang Johari, who is also the Sarawak Minister of Finance and New Economy, further said that the Sarawak government is enhancing small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) competitiveness with capacity-building programmes in entrepreneurship, technical skills, digital marketing, and product promotion, with a RM3.1 million allocation in 2025.
Additionally, RM8.4 million will be dedicated to the Anjung Usahawan Development programme, establishing 18 entrepreneurship centres in rural areas.
To further support local entrepreneurs, micro-traders, and startups, the government will continue financial aid through initiatives like the Special Relief Fund and Sarawak Recovery BizFund, and provide RM15.5 million in soft loans and grants for programs such as Skim Kredit Mikro Sarawak, Skim Pinjaman Industri Kecil dan Sederhana, Programme Graduan ke Arah Keusahawanan, and the GoDigital Programme. — DayakDaily
