MIRI: The state government disbursed funds totalling RM41 million to recipients of the Micro Credit Scheme and Sarawak Youth Venture fund.
The funds were presented by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during Saberkas’ dinner held in conjunction with its 16th triennial general meeting (TGM) here on Saturday.
Among the recipients were Skim Kredit Mikro Sarawak (Agro Bank) which received RM11,931,000 to benefit 334 beneficiaries; Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) — RM2, 535,000 (for 93 beneficiaries); Skim Pinjaman Industri Kecil dan Sederhana or SME (RM23,359,000 for 278 beneficiaries) and Usahawan Teknikal Vokasional and Graduan Ke Arah Keushawanan or Gerak – RM3,197,000 (to benefit 188 people under the category).
The other recipients were Sarawak Youth Creative Industry category — Kelab Belia Alpha Petra Jaya which received RM10,000; Persatuan Wind Orkestra Kuching (RM30,000); Franklin Lingga Abun (RM43, 250) and Programme Peningkatan Usahawan Bumiputera — RM23,089,000(to benefit 6,050 people under the category).
Abang Johari said the state government has set aside RM5 million in yearly allocation to support emerging talents in the creative industry.
“Sarawak has talented youths, not only in singing but other fields such as acting and sports, even in beauty competition,” he said, citing well-known local talents such as singers Dayang Nurfaizah and Bob, Hollywood actor Henry Golding and two-time Olympic medallist Pandelela Rinong Pamg, among others.
Abang Johari assured that Saberkas would always support youth development in order for the state to become a sports and talent powerhouse.
