RM5mil ALLOCATED FOR SMEs

By HAMDAN RAJA ABDULLAH
metrose@thestar.com.my

TANGKAK: The state government allocates about RM5mil annually to help develop the small-and medium-scale industries in Johor, Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said.

He said the move was to enable the small-time entrepreneurs to improve productivity and compete with those already established in the industry.

He said between RM3mil and RM4mil was channelled to the state Agriculture Department to help those venturing in the agro-based industrial sector.

The rest, about RM1mil, is channelled to AgroBank to assist those who need additional fund or capital in their ventures, he said before presenting machinery aid to 28 entrepreneurs in Sungai Mati recently.

Good job!: Abdul Ghani (left) congratulating villagers who have ventured into small- and medium-scaled industries in Serom after presenting them with machines, tools and cash aid.

Abdul Ghani said the entrepreneurs were not only given machines and tools to operate their businesses they also received cash aid.

He said small-time entrepreneurs in the state had managed to generate income totalling RM70mil annually and this showed a healthy growth in the sector.

He said some entrepreneurs had even managed to earn RM1mil a year as compared to several years ago where they could only earn several thousand ringgit.

We hope with the machines, tools and cash aid, our entrepreneurs will be more committed in their businesses and focus on quality productivity, he added.

SOURCE: THE STAR, JULY 21, 2012