MARA Mulls Measures To Support Entrepreneurs Affected By Global Economic Situation - Ahmad Zahid

DUNGUN, April 20 (Bernama) -- MARA is examining several support measures to assist entrepreneurs under its programmes who are affected by the global economic challenges due to the current geopolitical uncertainties.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said among those being examined is to reduce the rental rate of premises for affected entrepreneurs.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said that apart from that, MARA will evaluate the implementation of rescheduling financing payments to give its entrepreneurs space to stabilise their financial position.

"At the same time, we have not forgotten the education aspect. MARA will continue to strengthen the implementation of the BUDI MARA Education Programme (BUDI) to assist students from low-income families, including students from Mara Junior Science College (MRSM), so that they can continue their studies without financial constraints.

"This proactive measure is important, because in any economic situation, we cannot compromise in ensuring access to quality education continues to be maintained. If an MRSM student is affected, the entire MARA ecosystem must rise to help him,” he said when speaking at the opening ceremony of MRSM Dungun , here today.

When met by reporters after the ceremony, Ahmad Zahid said that affected entrepreneurs were asked to contact and discuss with MARA to obtain assistance or a relaxation in the financing payments provided.

However, he said that his party would not compromise on entrepreneurs who were not affected but would take advantage of the relaxation provided.

“We are very concerned about the entrepreneurs who are financed or under the guidance of MARA. Not to mention small and medium-sized companies, we will find a better way,” he said.

In another development, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the chairman of the Central Disaster Management Committee, said the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) is currently coordinating assistance to victims of the fire in Kampung Bahagia, Batu Sapi, Sandakan, which occurred yesterday.

“NADMA has gone down to the ground to provide temporary evacuation sites… they (victims) are also registering now,” he said.

More than 9,000 residents were affected by the fire incident early yesterday morning but no casualties were reported.

Sandakan district police chief ACP George Abd Rakman said his department received a report on the incident at 1.30 am before the location was declared a disaster area at 4 am.

-- BERNAMA