SMALL and medium enterprises need to seize the opportunities offered by the government during the Movement Control Order period through the additional Prihatin SME Economic Stimulus package worth RM10 bil.
Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said the stimulus package that includes a special Prihatin grant for micro business and wage subsidy programme will help SMEs to remain resilient during the Covid-19 crisis.
“At the same time, entrepreneurs need to have the capacity to change business strategies and revolving capital as well as increase promotions and presence through social media or in whatever online or e-commerce platform.
“This is also the best time to acquire knowledge and improve whatever documentation and company accounts as these are among the weaknesses that have been detected,” she said in an interview with Bernama Radio titled “Government is committed to assist entrepreneurs and women cooperatives” today.
She said the ministry is also undertaking various efforts in organising courses and online motivation such as Business Coaching by Institut Keusahawanan Negara (Insken).
She added that all knowledge sharing is comprehensive with the information by trained lecturers as well as leading experienced SME entrepreneurs on how to weather the tough business environment.
At the same time, Mas Ermieyati said, the ministry is also offering financing schemes through Tekun Nasional, the Cooperative Commission of Malaysia (SKM) and UDA Holdings Bhd to assist entrepreneurs impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak.
“In Tekun Nasional we have an allocation of RM80 mil that can benefit 13,300 women entrepreneurs and provide funds of up to RM10,000 for applicants who meet the simple application conditions,” she said.
To date, she said, Tekun Nasional has received 3,475 applications from SME entrepreneurs including 1,762 women, involving an approved fund of RM14 mil. — April 29, 2020, Bernama
