KUCHING – Sarawak has announced an additional allocation of RM141.7 million for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) affected by Covid-19, under Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS).
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the extra aid that is expected to benefit over 10,000 entrepreneurs in the state be funnelled through towards existing programmes.
He said under this initiative, an additional RM50 million will go to the Sarawak Micro Credit Scheme (SKMS), which provides loans to entrepreneurs.
To get an SKMS loan, he said applicants just need to submit a business permit issued by municipal councils or other local authorities.
“New borrowers whose applications are approved before June 30 will also enjoy a six-month loan moratorium and an interest rate subsidy over a period of three and a half years,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
The Sarawak government had on January 21 announced the fifth BKSS package, involving an allocation of RM405 million to ease the burden of those affected by the pandemic and floods.
With the additional allocation announced yesterday, RM20 million will be channelled to the SME Loan Scheme while RM22.2 million will be used for interest subsidies under the Targeted Relief and Recovery Facility.
Another RM20 million will be provided to the Technical and Vocational Entrepreneurs Programme and Graduates Towards Entrepreneurship Programme.
Meanwhile, Awang Tengah, who is also Sarawak minister of international trade and industry, industrial terminal and entrepreneur development, said yesterday’s announcement was made following a meeting with entrepreneurs whose businesses have been affected by the Covid-19 situation.
“It is hoped that local businessmen will take advantage of the facilities provided to ease their burdens,” he said. – Bernama, February 3, 2021
