KOTA BARU: The government has allocated an additional grant of about RM200mil to strengthen the capacity of small-scale entrepreneurs, particularly those from low-income groups, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said small-scale financial assistance could generate meaningful returns for traders if channelled to meet their specific business requirements.
He gave the example of traders who required between RM1,800 and RM5,000 to acquire basic equipment, including refrigerators, to preserve their stock.
"Although the allocation is modest, the benefits go directly to those who need it," he said when officiating the Kelantan Usahawan Bangkit Scheme here Saturday (Oct 31).
Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud was also present.
Anwar said the federal government was stepping up support for women in Kelantan through entrepreneurship initiatives, recognizing their significant role in the state's small business sector, including among B40 assistance recipients, and giving them greater opportunities to expand their businesses.
He said women in Kelantan had a strong track record and extensive experience in business, particularly through selling goods at markets, which demonstrated their determination to earn a living.
"That is why I have instructed the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) in Kelantan to prioritise assistance programmes for women," he said.
The Prime Minister said women's business acumen was evident in Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia's nearly 99 per cent loan repayment rate.
On the Kelantan Usahawan Bangkit Scheme, Anwar said more than 4,000 applications had been received from B40 entrepreneurs, with 446 approved so far.
"The scheme provides financial support to small-scale entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses. So far, more than 4,000 applications have been received from B40 entrepreneurs under Sejati Madani, with 446 approved," he said.
In another development, the Prime Minister renewed his call for Malaysia to enhance its mastery of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), digital technology and quantum technology, while upholding religious values, culture and national identity.
He highlighted the importance of keeping pace with global technological developments to ensure the younger generation remained competitive with those in developed nations.
He said the national education system should therefore expand the use of the latest knowledge and technologies, including by introducing the fundamentals of AI at an early stage of schooling.
According to him, national development should be guided by the concept of reaching for the skies while remaining rooted in the earth, which means pursuing advances in knowledge and technology while preserving society's values and identity.
"This country must progress and master new technologies, including information technology and artificial intelligence, but it must also remain rooted in traditions, a culture grounded in faith, good morals and strong character," he said. - Bernama
