Trader V. Sumathi, 49, arranging cookies at her stall on Jalan Ungku Puan during the Deepavali bazaar. — Filepic
Johor Indian Petty Traders and Small Business Association has sent a proposal to the state government to create an Indian entrepreneur development committee within Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn Bhd (PUJB).
Association chairman D. Ravindran said the proposal was sent last month to the Johor Mentri Besar’s office.
The association, he said, also suggested that the committee consist of a manager and five officers from the Indian community.
“We hope this will translate into increasing the economic contribution of the Indian community in Johor,” he said when contacted.
Ravindran says a new Indian entrepreneur development committee should be set up.Ravindran said the association also wanted to meet Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
“We want a face-to-face meeting, to tell him the realities on the ground,” he elaborated.
He said PUJB had offered a lot of programmes and financial aid but those initiatives had not helped the Indian community to start businesses.
“The absence of Indian representation within PUJB is a key reason for this lack of support and understanding,” said Ravindran.
“The B40 group faces numerous challenges in starting a business, including learning business practices, securing financial resources and obtaining the necessary equipment,” he added.
Most business owners in Johor are financially stable and often from outside the state, limiting opportunities for local residents, Ravindran claimed.
“Foreigners and traders from other states dominate sectors like garland-making and barber shops, making it hard for locals to compete due to high costs and a lack of training.
“This is why we have proposed to establish the new committee under PUJB to address these issues.
“If accepted, this proposal could improve the economic status of Johor’s Indian community and ensure their concerns are addressed by the government,” said Ravindran, who is also the Johor MIC Entrepreneurs bureau chief.
