SANDAKAN: Efforts to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises here will be intensified through wider agency involvement, with tourism identified as a key driver for local economic growth.
The Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry will mobilise agencies under its purview to ensure assistance reaches grassroots entrepreneurs more effectively, said Deputy Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin.
He said the ministry has substantial funding available for enterprise development, with additional allocations this year in line with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, particularly for tourism-related activities.
“Under the ministry, there is a large amount of funding available, and this year, in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year, more funds will be provided for the tourism industry,” he said during his working visit in Pulau Tanjung Aru, here, Sunday (Jan 11).
He explained that assistance would include support for homestay development, expansion of tourism jetties and the enhancement of tourism assets, creating more income-generating opportunities for local communities.
Alamin said on-the-ground engagement was crucial to identify gaps in existing support and understand the real challenges faced by micro and small entrepreneurs, especially hawkers and traditional traders.
“That is why I need to go down more often and carry out more engagement,” he said.
He added that integrated cooperation among agencies such as SME Corp, Bank Rakyat and SME Bank was needed to ensure aid was delivered in a coordinated and targeted manner.
Areas such as Pulau Tanjung Aru, he noted, have strong potential to be developed into sustainable tourism products, including homestays and marine-based activities, if provided with the right support and funding.
