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Image credit: The Merdeka Times

TAWAU: The State Government has allocated RM15 million to support and strengthen the Small and Medium (SME) Industry Assistance Programme in Sabah, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor.

In addition, RM6.17 million was allocated to the Department of Industrial Development and Research to intensify the promotion of Sabah products in the international and domestic market.

According to Hajiji, the Industrial Responsibility Food Safety Certification (MeSTI) and Halal were introduced this year to qualify Sabah SME products to compete at international level.

“A total of RM7.1 million was also distributed to the Sabah Economic Development Corporation (Sedco) to continue efforts to prepare and develop business premises, socio-economic shops and other entrepreneurial programs this year.

“Therefore I want entrepreneurs to seize the opportunities provided by the government, including to continue to improve their knowledge and skills so that their products are able to compete at the international level,” he said.

Hajiji was opening the Entrepreneurship Carnival and Career (SABAHFEC) 2023 East Coast Zone at Tawau Municipal Council on Saturday. His speech was read by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan. 

The carnival was hosted by Gagasan Rakyat Women’s Entrepreneurship Bureau in collaboration Tawau Double A Martial Arts Association.

“Therefore the development of SMEs continues to be focused on as a supporting industry and catalyst for the manufacturing sector. Engagement from various parties including Sabah Foundation and private companies such as Petronas has helped a lot of private companies in this state,” he said.

According to him, the State Government has implemented various initiatives to develop the economy of the state and the people through the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said, the organisation of SabahFEC 2023 would help job seekers and arm them with the skills needed in addition to grant funding assistance for entrepreneurs from various government agencies involved.

Hajiji is optimistic the carnival is the best platform for job seekers and entrepreneurs meaning to empower the state’s economy, getting information on grant assistance from agencies involved, to learn financial management skills in addition to career opportunities.

In this regard, Hajiji recommends every job seeker, especially youths, to take advantage of every facility, programme and job seeker platform as well job opportunities provided by the government.

“Job seekers need to take advantage of Sabah Jobs Portal and MyFutureJobs to connect them with employers to avoid being victims to job fraud syndicates. 

“This step will enable them to become aware of career opportunities and other employment services offered.

“The Sabah Jobs Portal portal is specifically for Sabahans and job vacancies advertised are opportunities from all over Malaysia,” he said.

He also wants SabahFEC to be extended to other zones in the state so that more Sabahans stand to benefit.

Source: https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/218057/rm15-million-to-support-sabah-smes/