GEDONG: The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) has disbursed RM1.084 billion in funding to 42,689 entrepreneurs and cooperatives in Sarawak for 2024.
Minister Datuk Ewon Benedict said with the ongoing development plans in Sarawak, his ministry would be able to provide even greater support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives in the state this year.
“As part of the Look East Policy initiative, my ministry is placing additional emphasis on the development of entrepreneurs and cooperatives in Sabah and Sarawak.
“This includes grants under the Bumiputera Entrepreneur Programme for both states, the Premis Tamu Desa, and several other special initiatives designed specifically for Sabah and Sarawak,” he told a press conference here today (Jan 28).
The Digital Desa Bank Rakyat 2024 programme, which ran in Gedong until December 31, 2024, has greatly benefited rural communities, particularly those with limited or no access to basic banking services.
Participants were educated on adopting a cashless lifestyle through e-banking services via Bank Rakyat’s digital platforms, including Bank Rakyat Quick (BRICK), Quick Response to Entrepreneur (QR2E), as well as e-payment services such as MyDebit, DuitNow, and DuitNow QR.
Activities included the opening of Bank Rakyat’s Simpanan-i Savings Accounts without deposit requirements, and the issuance of Debit-i cards for students. A total of 81 students from SMK Gedong opened Simpanan-i Savings Accounts.
Additionally, 39 Semasa-i Elektronik Current Accounts were opened, and Bank Rakyat also recorded 23 sign-ups for the i-MerchantRAKYAT programme.
