KUCHING: The Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) has implemented various ministerial initiatives with a total allocation of RM6 million, benefiting 579 entrepreneurs in 2025.

Sarawak Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr. Malcolm Mussen Lamoh said these initiatives include 327 recipients of the Technical and Vocational Entrepreneur grant with assistance valued at RM2.5 million, and 218 recipients of the Graduates Towards Entrepreneurship grant valued at RM1.9 million.

“This also included 26 recipients of the Sarawak Micro Credit Scheme with assistance valued at RM660,000, and eight recipients of the Small and Medium Industry Loan Scheme with assistance valued at RM980,000.

“Additionally, SEDC implemented financial financing programmes under the State Financial Secretary’s Office with an allocation totaling RM8.4 million to 65 entrepreneurs in the same year,” he explained.

He said this while responding to a query from Lingga Assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor during the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting on Friday.

Datuk Dr. Malcolm added that the implementation of these programs also benefited 41 recipients from the Sri Aman Division, including entrepreneurs in the Lingga District.

He further noted that according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Sarawak recorded a low closure rate of 3.2 per cent and a five-year survival rate for enterprises established in 2019.

“For those still operating in 2024, the rate is 77.3 per cent. This indicates that the initiatives implemented by the Sarawak Government are effective,” he remarked. — UKASnews

Translator: Ryan Lim