MIRI: The Sarawak Government remains steadfast in extending support to traders and entrepreneurs to ensure business continuity amid a challenging economic climate, particularly following rising fuel costs and the increasing price of goods.

Among the key initiatives are loan facilities under the Sarawak Micro Credit Scheme (SKMS), offering up to RM50,000 for micro-entrepreneurs and small traders, as well as financing of up to RM250,000 through the Loan Scheme for Small and Medium Industries (SPIKS) for Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the manufacturing and services sectors.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said both schemes are offered at zero or low interest rates to ease the financial burden on entrepreneurs.

“These initiatives will be continued to ensure small and medium enterprises remain viable, while enabling entrepreneurs to stay resilient in the face of current economic pressures,” he said when met by the media at the Ramah-Tamah event organised by the Miri Malay Association (PMM), here on Sunday.

The Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment also stressed the importance of unity among the multi-racial community in the state, especially in Miri which is widely regarded as a resort city known for its rich diversity.

“The government is striving to ensure inclusive development for all races here. We help the Malay Association, and we also help associations of other races such as the Orang Ulu,” he said.

Meanwhile, PMM Chairman Radzali Alision revealed that the state government has approved a parcel of land measuring more than five acres adjacent to the Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Sarawak Malaysia (FORUM) Building along Jalan Padang Kerbau for the construction of a new association building.

According to him, the new facility will allow for more activities to be organised as the existing building on Jalan Kipas can no longer accommodate its growing membership.

Established in March 1959, PMM is one of the earliest Malay associations in Sarawak and continues to play an important role in strengthening the unity of the local community.

The event was also attended by Datuk Amar Awang Tengah’s wife, Dato Dayang Morliah Datuk Awang Daud, Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni, Miri Division Resident Galong Luang, Miri City Deputy Mayor Ariffin Mohamad as well as representatives of various associations and community leaders. -UKASnews