PUTRAJAYA – The Federal Territories Ministry aims to provide 2,000 business lots for youth under the Federal Territories City Youth Entrepreneurs programme in two years, said its minister, Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
He said 1,122 business lots in 169 locations around Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya have been prepared under the programme to help city youth who are affected or have lost their source of income due to restrictions in place to curb the spread of Covid-19.
"If one location requires at least two workers, that’s already 4,000 jobs for youth and, indirectly, they will benefit from this programme,” he said after presenting business licences to Putrajaya youth entrepreneurs here today.
Since its announcement on July 7, the programme has received encouraging response with a large number of applications, he said.
Annuar said the basic criteria for selection requires the applicant be a resident of Putrajaya or Kuala Lumpur, and priority will be given to youth between 18 and 35 years old who have lost their jobs or businesses due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Applicants with vast knowledge related to the applied premises will also be an advantage,” he said.
Regarding the free-trade area programme, Annuar said his ministry has received reports that parties are trying to act as go-betweens to control certain areas and collect site rentals.
"There is no need for a system that uses go-betweens or middlemen because every trader who wishes to trade only needs to deal with Kuala Lumpur City Hall and Putrajaya Corporation to open their stalls in approved areas and adhere to the guidelines set,” he said.
Meanwhile, Annuar also urged all MPs to support Budget 2021 during the voting session next Thursday.
"It isn’t wrong for us to suggest policies and improvements, like the continuation of the moratorium and withdrawals from the Employee Provident Fund’s Account 1.
"I feel that they are beneficial and suitable, so the government should pay attention. So, this doesn’t mean that when the Budget is tabled… that’s it, and other suggestions can’t be made. That’s what debates are for,” he added. – Bernama, November 20, 2020
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