KUCHING, Feb 16 (Bernama) -- A total of RM14 million out of the RM50 million allocation for the Skim Biaya Ramadan Perniagaan Rakyat (BARAKAT) programme has been channelled to 2,010 borrowers nationwide through the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (TEKUN Nasional) and SME Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp Malaysia).
Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Mohamad Alamin said that, to date, about 100 borrowers in Sarawak have benefited from the programme as working capital for their businesses in conjunction with Ramadan and Aidilfitri.
He said applications remain open until March 15 and bazaar traders, home-based businesses and other entrepreneurs focussing their trade for Ramadan and Aidilfitri should seize the opportunity to obtain financing.
“The financing amount offered is up to a maximum of RM30,000, while additional applications will be considered according to the scale of the business,” he told reporters after officiating the MADANI Cooperative and Entrepreneur Sale (JMKU) here today.
Mohamad said that apart from BARAKAT, the RM30 million Special Financing Programme for Chinese-Owned Micro Enterprises (BERKAT) was also introduced by SME Corp Malaysia in conjunction with the Chinese New Year.
“We are mindful of the environment and the diversity of celebrations in Malaysia. I will discuss with Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong about the introduction of financing programmes in conjunction with Gawai Day, Kaamatan and Christmas,” he added.
-- BERNAMA
