Govt provides various facilities to help local entrepreneurs — Musa

PAPAR: The state and federal governments have provided various facilities to assist local entrepreneurs, including the Bumiputera community, so that they are not left out of national development, said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

He said towards this end, the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) had played a significant role in economic and entrepreneurial development in Malaysia.

“SMEs have huge potential in the nation’s economic development, specifically to support bigger companies, create job opportunities and human capital development.

“Hence, the government has consistently help and encourage the development of small and medium industries nationwide. To ensure the SME sector development is broader and more effective, more active involvement of the Bumiputera and rural communities is always a top priority.

“Even though the SMEs developed at a commendable level, the Bumiputera and rural communities are in fact still not completely involved in national SME development,” he said during the launching of the Sabah Development Corridor SME Road Tour programme themed ‘Exploring Rural SMEs Potential’ yesterday.

Hence, he urged the Bumiputera and rural communities to grab the opportunities under various programmes organised by the government by fully utilising the available facilities, training and assistance.

On the programme, Musa who is also Chairman of Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) said the programme was a collaboration between SEDIA and the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (TERAJU) aimed at implementing an entrepreneurial development programme focusing on Bumiputera start-ups.

“This programme reflects the government’s earnestness and commitment in lifting the socio-economic standard of the rural community. Hence, the state government welcomes the organiser’s effort in successfully executing the programme, held for the first time to promote SMEs in rural areas,” he said.

Meanwhile, Programme Organising Chairman Datuk Mohd Yaakub Johari who is also SEDIA Chief Executive said about 500 participants attended the four-day programme beginning yesterday. The programme would become a platform to share views, experience, build networking and explore opportunities and potential in rural industries, he said. — Bernama

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