Sarawak Economic Development Corporation

BINTULU: Concerted efforts are made to encourage more Bumiputras in the Sarawak to get involved in business or commerce.

Various entrepreneurship development programes are being organised by different government departments and agencies including loan facilities to help those Bumiputras interested to start their own businesses especially in the Small and Medium-sized Industries (SMI).

Chairman of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Datuk Haji Talib Zulpilip said this was in line with the government’s policy of helping the Bumiputras to achieve 30 percent equity under the nation’s New Economy Policy.

Talib, who is also the Jepak State Assemblyman, said this when officiating at the Entrepreneurship Seminar attended by 43 participants at Regency Plaza Hotel yesterday.

Talib said SEDC had, from 1993 until June this year, had given a sum of RM17 million in terms of loan facilities for SMIs to 2,685 entrepreneurs.

He was glad to note that SEDC had managed to collect 73 percent of loan repayment from those entrepreneurs.
He added that 60 percent of these 2,685 entrepreneurs were women whilst 66 percent of them were from rural areas.

Talib also advised the Bumiputras to make full use of the opportunities made available by the government for them to venture into business. He also reminded them not to compromise on hygiene or cleanliness especially for food business premises and also realize the importance of good delivery system.

Talib also urged them to build up their networking as to enrich their knowledge and expand their business globally if possible.

The one-day seminar was primarily to highlight on the business opportunities  and loan facilities made available by government department and financial institutions.

Taken From:

The Eastern Times Online
16/08/2008