By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, OCT 3 : The State government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is committed to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) mitigate the impact of Covid-19, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
He said the government has introduced various initiatives and programmes such as the Special Relief Fund (SRF), Targeted Relief and Recovery Facility (TRRF), Penjana Tourism Financing (PTF) and the Graduands Towards Entrepreneurships (Gerak), targeted at SMEs to assist them in reducing the financial impact arose from coronavirus.
“It is without doubt that the Covid-19 situation, for the past more than one year has impacted not only the global markets, and our SMEs is no exception as well,” he said during a function last night (October 2) before presenting a financial grant from the state government to a food entrepreneur here.
Thus, he believed challenges posed by Covid-19 has demanded SMEs to adjust into digitalisation in order for them to sustain their businesses.
Awang Tengah who is also International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development (Mintred) Minister said both the State and federal governments have implemented numerous measures to help micro-businesses and SMEs to cushion the impact of Covid-19.
He noted SMEs has been the backbone of the country’s economic development.
“We have more than 90 per cent of businesses establishment in the country of which most of these businesses are from SMEs,” he added.
At the event, Tengah also launched the opening of Don’s Burger second branch in Permyjaya.
He was accompanied by his wife, Dato Dayang Morliah Datuk Awang Daud.
Also present were Assistant Minister for Woman, Family and Childhood Development Datuk Rosey Yunus cum Bekenu assemblywoman and Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat.— DayakDaily
