BY NURIN PATRA & ALEXANDRA LORNA
KUCHING: Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) is expected and trusted to continue its success, given its remarkable achievements.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof stated that entrepreneurs who are qualified should not only be granted loans but, more importantly, provided with training.
“They also need full support so they can manage their ventures. This ensures they break free from the cycle of poverty and, in turn, increase their income.
“There are those who have succeeded, and this continuous support is what drives the success of these entrepreneurs who have received loans,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after officiating at the closing ceremony of the Singgah Lok Sahabat Entrepreneur Carnival organised by AIM at the Eco shopping mall here yesterday (Jan 12).
Besides, he said that for the Sarawak region alone, the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) or Portfolio at Risk (PAR) rate was only 0.02 per cent, demonstrating the commitment of Sarawakian entrepreneurs to repaying their loans.
Meanwhile, AIM chairman Datuk Seri Syed Hussian Syed Junid said that entrepreneurship is not merely a profession but a platform to build a better life, contribute to national development, and foster stronger community networks.
“AIM has been operational since September 19, 1987, and over nearly 38 years, it has achieved numerous commendable milestones.
“As of today, AIM has 11 regions, 117 branches, and a workforce of more than 2,200 employees.
“As of September 2024, AIM has a total of nearly 313,000 entrepreneur members nationwide, with 42,184 active members in Sarawak,” he said.
He added that the total loans disbursed to AIM entrepreneurs in 2024 amounted to RM262 million, with Sarawak recording an excellent repayment rate.
“This success highlights the commitment and impressive income generation of AIM entrepreneurs in Sarawak, particularly in Kuching.
“As a result, AIM’s repayment target for Sarawak in 2025 has been raised to RM269 million,” he said.
For the record, a total of 1,200 entrepreneurs from AIM Kuching Branch successfully organised the Singgah Lok Sahabat Entrepreneur Carnival AIM.
The participating entrepreneurs comprised women entrepreneurs from the Samariang, Petra Jaya, and Matang Batu blocks.
Held on January 11 to 12, 2025, the carnival featured not only product sales and promotional activities but also a variety of other events, including a fun run, an entrepreneurship forum, health talks, and various competitions for children.
