THE State Government is continuing efforts to ensure micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including small traders who have yet to receive government assistance, benefit from entrepreneurship development programmes through the SME-Up Assistance Programme.
Deputy Chief Minister and Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the programme, implemented continuously since 2020 through the Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR), provides assistance in the form of machinery and equipment, packaging and labelling, Halal and Mesti certification, trademark registration and retort machines.
“To ensure that no entrepreneur is left behind in benefiting from the facilities and assistance provided, the State Government through DIDR has implemented the SME-Up Assistance Programme continuously since 2020,” he said when replying to a question from Tempasuk assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari during the State Legislative Assembly sitting on Wednesday.
Ewon said DIDR had also intensified outreach efforts, conducting programmes in 13 districts from March to May this year, including Kota Belud, in collaboration with entrepreneurs’ associations, government agencies and social media platforms to expand awareness of available government assistance.
He said 93 entrepreneurs from Kota Belud, including 17 from the Tempasuk constituency, have benefited from the SME-Up Assistance Programme, with the aid helping recipients improve production capacity, product quality, branding, certification compliance and market competitiveness.
Ewon said the State Government has expanded eligibility this year to allow more micro entrepreneurs to apply for assistance under the programme, with small traders holding valid business licences and operating for at least six months eligible to apply for support covering machinery and equipment, packaging and labelling, Halal and Mesti certification, trademark registration and retort machines.
“The Ministry will continue to improve the implementation of the SME-Up Assistance Programme from time to time, including strengthening promotional efforts and the dissemination of information so that more entrepreneurs, particularly small traders with potential, can benefit from the government’s initiatives and contribute to Sabah’s economic growth,” he said.
Responding to a supplementary question from Sebatik assemblyman Manahing Tinggilani on measures to ease operating costs for boat operators in Pulau Sebatik, Ewon said the diesel subsidy falls under the Federal Government’s jurisdiction, but noted that Sabah has established a special committee chaired by the State Secretary to review proposals, feedback and complaints to improve its implementation.
He added that eligible sectors, including boat transport operators, could apply for the fleet card scheme implemented by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN).
