THE State Government has allocated RM15 million to support and strengthen the Small and Medium Industry (SMI) Assistance Programme in Sabah, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
In addition, he said RM6.17 million was allocated to the Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR) to intensify the promotion of Sabah products in the international and domestic markets.
According to Hajiji, a food safety management certification called Makanan Selamat Tanggungjawab Industri (MeSTI) and also Halal were introduced this year to qualify Sabah SMI products to compete at the 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 programmes this year.
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His speech was read by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan.
The carnival was hosted by the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Women’s Entrepreneurship Bureau in collaboration Tawau Double A Martial Arts Association.
“Therefore the development of SMI continues to be focused on as a supporting industry and catalyst for the manufacturing sector. Engagement from various parties including the Yayasan Sabah and private companies such as Petronas has helped a lot of private companies in Sabah,” he said.
He said 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.
“The SabahFEC 2023 would help job seekers and arm them with the skills needed in addition to funding assistance for entrepreneurs from various government agencies involved,” he said.
Hajiji is optimistic the carnival is the best platform for job seekers and entrepreneurs to empower themselves economically, get information on grant assistance from agencies involved and 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 platform as well as 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 becoming victim to job fraud syndicates.
“This will enable them to become aware of the career opportunities and other employment services offered.
“The Sabah Jobs 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.
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