KOTA KINABALU – Umno’s Usukan assemblyman Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak today proposed three ways to help small businesses in the state weather the soft economy.
He told the state assembly that Sabah needs to increase the circulation of money in the economy, coordinate aid facilities and create a new marketing platform for SMEs.
“We have heard of the allocation and spending by the government but barely any funds reached the ground or target groups.
“Assuming RM1 billion is invested in the economy, there should be around 4,500 new jobs.
“But under the Jendela programme, RM2 billion will be spent by the federal government over the span of two years to improve internet facilities in the country, but we are not certain whether these funds will reach the people.
“We need projects like the Pan-Borneo (Highway), where the funds are truly spent on the ground and enjoyed, with the spillover (effects) helping to spur residential development and others,” he said during his Sabah budget debate here today.
Salleh said the government should coordinate all its agencies to provide financial aid or easy access to loans for local players.
For example, he pointed to agencies such as Tekun and Amanah Ikthiar, which provide financial services to SMEs in Peninsular Malaysia.
“The government can use local foundations, such as Yayasan Usaha Maju, Sabah Rubber Industries Board and others, to assist SMEs in the state.”
Salleh also reiterated the call for the government to publish the names of those in the Sabah e-Kasih list at local community centres so they can be scrutinised.
Lastly, he said the government should establish an e-commerce platform so the government can assist SMEs in selling their products.
He also proposed the setting up of cold storage warehouses to purchase produce from farmers and fishermen, and establish downstream processing activities.
This way, he said, the government will be able to help other industries, such as food-processing companies. – The Vibes, December 22, 2020
