KUCHING, June 6: Sarawakians are entitled to apply for relevant financial aid packages under the federal government’s Pemerkasa Plus (Pemerkasa+) on top of the assistance offered under the Sarawak government’s sixth Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang initiative (BKSS 6.0).
Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Dato Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said this included all stimulus packages announced as well as the Wage Subsidy Programme for all economic sectors affected by the Movement Control Order (MCO).
Wanting to clarify previous incidents where some Sarawak business operators’ application for wage subsidies had been rejected, he said the confusion in the system had risen because under the previous Pemerkasa for MCO 2.0 in January, Sarawak was not part of it as the State was not under MCO then.
“This issue was simply a misunderstanding on the technicalities. It has been sorted out.
“Now we have made it clear that all financial aid announced by the federal government are applicable to all eligible groups, including those from Sarawak,” he said in a statement today.
Meanwhile, Wan Junaidi called on Sarawakian entrepreneurs to fully utilise the RM11.5 billion stimulus package, comprising grants and funding allocated for the small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) under Pemerkasa+.
Looking at the uncertainties in the present economic situation, he said it is timely for entrepreneurs to re-strategise their business operations and models to be able to adapt to today’s new norm which includes migration to e-commerce.
“To survive, entrepreneurs need to quickly make the necessary adjustment to services. Having a solid online presence is also important.
“If you think your business is no longer suitable in this current situation, probably it is time to look at other opportunities,” he added. — DayakDaily
