KUCHING, Apr 9: Six new Tekun Nasional branch offices have been set up in the state to better provide services in the rural areas.
The new branch offices are in Lundu, Serian, Sibuti, Sebuyau, Daro and Kanowit.
“With the establishment of these six new branches, there are currently 22 Tekun Nasional offices in Sarawak. This shows the commitment of the Federal Government of Malaysia, through Tekun Nasional in helping entrepreneurs in the State of Sarawak, in order for them to pursue excellence,” said Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar in a statement.
The Entrepreneur Development and Co-operatives Minister added that the ministry had allocated a total of RM3.15 billion in funds over the last 22 years to help entrepreneurs in Sarawak, especially in the rural areas.
The amount was allocated from 1998 to February 2020 by the federal government to Tekun Nasional, an agency under the ministry.
“In the state of Sarawak alone, Tekun Nasional has established one state headquarters and 16 branch offices, covering 31 parliamentary constituencies with 84 staff.
“From the 31 parliamentary constituencies, 33,402 entrepreneurs have benefitted from loans granted by Tekun Nasional, totaling RM322,200,900,” he said.
Wan Junaidi also stated that of all Tekun Nasional entrepreneurs, 5 per cent were registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), 35 per cent with the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) and District Offices, and the remaining 60 per cent is through endorsements from the Penghulu, Ketua Kampung, Tuai Rumah, Local Authorities Business Licences and Pasar Tamu.
According to him, based on a list reported by the Chief Secretary of the Confederation of Associations of Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders Malaysia (GPPPKMM), for the state of Sarawak, a total of 1,063 or 22.2 per cent of local entrepreneurs has benefitted from the financial scheme administered by Tekun.—DayakDaily.
