Previously ineligible micro SMEs invited to apply in fresh round of GKP payouts

PETALING JAYA: Micro small and medium enterprises (SMEs) who haven't received any financial assistance from the government will be allowed to register for aid under the Prihatin Special Grant 4.0 (GKP 4) beginning Thursday (July 15), says Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

Tengku Zafrul said new applications will run from July 15 to 31 in the GKP's website www.gkp.hasil.gov.my

"Eligible micro-SMEs are businesses that fulfil the SME criteria and are registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), local authorities (PBT), or the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) up till June 30 this year," he said in a statement on Thursday.

"For further information, GKP applicants can refer to the FAQ list that was uploaded at GKP's official website," he added.

Zafrul said RM1bil has been allocated for GKP 4.0, where payouts of RM500 will be made beginning September this year and another RM500 in November this year, involving existing and new GKP recipients.

"Current GKP recipients don't need to make any new applications," he added.

Meanwhile, Zafrul said nearly one million micro-SMEs have benefited from GKP payouts that amounted to RM6.1bil since the Covid-19 pandemic began last year.

"The government hopes that continuous direct aid channeled to micro-SMEs will alleviate their burden, especially to businesses that are still not allowed to operate at present," he added.

Further information on funds and assistance by the government can be obtained at www.belanjawan2021.treasury.gov.my/manfaat/