DONE FOR THE MORNING: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu (left) is seen in a conversation with Deputy State Secretary Datu Ose Murang as they leave the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex at the end of the morning session. — Photo by Chimon Upon
THE Barisan Nasional government stresses the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which is the backbone of the state and country’s economic development.
Industrial Development Assistant Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi said to spur SME development in the state, the government had provided many allocations through various agencies and financial institutions.
“As of April this year, SME Bank had approved RM21 million, while Unit Teraju Agenda Bumiputera (Teraju) approved RM3.1 million, Malaysian Industrial Development Finance (MIDF) Bhd approved RM6 million, Sarawak Industrial Development Ministry approved RM145,000 and Agricutlure Department approved RM1.65 million,” he said when answering a question from Aidel Lariwoo (BN-Sadong Jaya) during the State Legislative Assembly sitting here yesterday.
This year, he said, the government had channelled allocations for SMEs in the state through SME Bank (RM376 million), MIDF (RM60 million) Teraju (RM100 million), Industrial Development Ministry (RM2.75 million), Agriculture Department (RM2.65 million) and Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (RM0.40 million).
“Besides financial assistance are other kinds of assistance provided by the agencies and commercial banks,” he said.
As for next year’s allocation, the amount would be determined during next year’s budget, and the government would continue to support and help SMEs to develop.
The government also encouraged the development of SMEs in the state by building industrial estates throughout the state, not including the big one in Samalaju.
“The industrial estates are equipped with amenities such as water supply, water, electricity and telecommunications. So far, the state government, through the Industrial Development Ministry has built more than 7,000 hectares of industrial estates throughout the state that more than RM3 billion.”
“The second incentive normally offered is competitive land premium. The third incentive is flexible instalment payment system, and rebate on land premium given when the factory built by the SME operator can be completed within a specified period.
“The rebate given can be 30 to 50 per cent depending on the locality of the industrial site. We are also offering them competitive electricity and water tariffs.”
Meanwhile Land Development Assistant Minister Datuk Wahab Aziz, in responding to a question from Martin Ben (BN-Kedup) who wanted to know the total area developed by Salcra in Serian region, said Salcra had planted a total of 11,900 hectares of land in five estates with oil palms.
“The five estates are Kedup 1 (2,285 hectares), Kedup 2 (1,595 hectares), Mongkos (2,285 hectares), Taee (3,215 hectares) and Melikin (2,197 hectares).”
Wahab said a total of 6,358 landowners from 91 villages in the region had participated in Salcra’s development scheme, adding that since 1996, total dividend distributed to the participants amounted to RM186.34 million.