MELAKA: The welfare of small and medium entrepreneurs grappling with rising operating costs amid the Middle East conflict is a priority for the Melaka government, the state assembly was told.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the targeted intervention measures introduced include a one-month rental waiver or a 30% discount for business premises owned by local councils.
He said the initiative carries a financial implication of RM2.8mil.
Ab Rauf said a further 50% reduction for hawker licence renewals across all four local council administrative areas was also implemented.
"This measure not only eases their financial burden but also supports the sustainability of small businesses, which form the backbone of the local economy," he said on Monday (April 27).
Ab Rauf said the measures were also aimed at mitigating the rising cost of living following the economic impact of the conflict.
He said aid would also be given to padi farmers, with a one-off ploughing incentive of RM3 per acre introduced, involving a total of 1,500ha (3,706 acres) of padi fields.
Ab Rauf also said the cumulative impact of initiatives rolled out over the past three years is beginning to show positive outcomes, particularly in the education sector.
The MeSRa Pendidikan programme for SPM and STPM candidates has provided 750 free classes to 1,500 students, supported by an allocation of RM200,000, over the past three years.
"We are now seeing a clear impact on the state’s education ecosystem," he added.
On healthcare, Ab Rauf said that as of April, a total of 1,687 Melaka residents have directly benefitted from initiatives announced under the state's budget for this year.
He said among the key measures introduced since last year was the establishment of the dialysis fund, with an allocation of RM100,000, benefitting more than 500 recipients requiring continuous treatment.
Ab Rauf added that the state government has also rolled out extensive health programmes, including free screenings for the early detection of three major cancers and non-communicable diseases, benefitting more than 4,000 residents aged 40 and above.
"The MeSRa Ambulance programme, which provides door-to-door services for bedridden patients from underprivileged families, has also helped more than 13,000 people," he said.
