KUCHING: The Sarawak Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) has continued to extend comprehensive financial support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through programmes such as GERAK, USTEV, Go Digital, SKMS and SPIKS.

MINTRED Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh said these programmes, implemented from 2021 up to the third quarter of 2025, have benefited more than 10,200 MSMEs with total approvals amounting to RM220.3 million.

He added that Federal and Sarawak government agencies such as AIM, Bank Rakyat, MARA, SME Corp Malaysia, the Women and Family Department of Sarawak, the Department of Agriculture Sarawak, SEDC and TEGAS are also offering various forms of financial assistance to MSMEs.

“To date, over 358,000 MSMEs have received assistance, with cumulative approvals reaching RM2.8 billion.

“Through this support, local MSMEs have gained the financial capability to strengthen cash-flow management and maintain business continuity,” he said.

He said this during the MINTRED winding-up session at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting on Monday.

Datuk Dr Malcolm added that his ministry is also working with relevant agencies to support the informal sector in formalising their businesses through the Jum Regista Bisnes (REGISTA) programme.

So far, a total of 5,791 entrepreneurs have been assisted under REGISTA, with 60 per cent of them qualifying for various forms of business support, securing contracts with both government and private sectors and even expanding their markets beyond Sarawak.

He noted that this initiative has significantly contributed to improving the socioeconomic wellbeing of entrepreneurs, particularly those in rural areas. -UKASnews