SANDAKAN: Entrepreneurs affected by the Kampung Bahagia fire will not have to repay their loans for up to six months, under a relief package aimed at helping them recover from their losses.
The moratorium applies to affected borrowers under TEKUN Nasional, Bank Rakyat and Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, covering those with existing financing who were impacted by the blaze.
Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin said the measure was part of efforts to ensure affected entrepreneurs can continue their businesses despite losing premises and inventory.
“We have asked agencies to give a six-month moratorium, meaning they do not have to repay their loans during this period for those affected,” he said when met during a visit to temporary relief centres in Sandakan on Wednesday (April 29).
Mohamad said about 70 entrepreneurs were affected, including 33 under TEKUN Nasional, 34 under Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, three under Bank Rakyat, as well as seven cooperatives involving about 300 members.
He said the ministry did not want to see affected entrepreneurs forced to stop operating.
“We do not want them to stop doing business. Most of them are micro, small and medium entrepreneurs, and they really need this support,” he said.
In addition to the moratorium, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia is offering cash assistance of up to RM5,000 for affected entrepreneurs to restart their businesses, while those undergoing hospital treatment will receive RM50 per day.
Mohamad also said assistance had been delivered on the ground, including 400 food baskets and essential items for victims staying at the PPR Batu Sapi and SK Kampung Gas relief centres.
He added that the ministry would continue monitoring the situation and ensure further support is provided where necessary.
