Kota Kinabalu: The State Government is expanding the SME-Up Assistance Programme to ensure more micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including small traders, benefit from entrepreneurship development assistance.
Deputy Chief Minister and Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick (pic) said the programme, implemented by the Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR) since 2020, provides support for machinery and equipment, packaging and labelling, Halal and Mesti certification, trademark registration and retort machines.
He said DIDR had also stepped up outreach programmes in 13 districts from March to May this year, including Kota Belud, while 93 entrepreneurs from the district, including 17 from Tempasuk, have received assistance under the programme.
Ewon said eligibility has been expanded this year to include more micro entrepreneurs, with licensed small traders operating for at least six months now able to apply for assistance.
Responding to a supplementary question, he said diesel subsidies fall under the Federal Government's jurisdiction but eligible boat operators could apply for the fleet card scheme implemented by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN).
