95 petty traders get business aid

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SIBU: Ninety-five petty traders in Sibu parliamentary constituency received business aid worth RM104,000 in the form of equipment to boost their monthly income.

Among the equipment given out were mixers, ice crushers and coconut grinding machines.

Speaking to reporters after the handing over ceremony at Takraw Hall, Bandong Road here yesterday, Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee said the assistance was timely with the fasting month just around the corner for recipients to venture into small scale business or small cottage industries.

“I hope they will make good use of the equipment to increase their income especially during this Ramadan period,” Dr Annuar added, pointing out that the programme was a collaborative effort between Fama and Nangka constituency service centre.

The assistance came under the Agriculture Development Council’s parliamentary constituency’s allocation, he said.

He also said a strong mechanism had been put in place to prevent abuses.

“Recipients have signed an agreement to ensure the equipment are properly utilised,” he noted.

Fama, he added, would visit the recipients after three months to ensure the equipment are still available and fully utilised.

According to Dr Annuar, Fama also carried out a study on the recipients’ monthly income to ascertain if the equipment given had helped them generate more business.

Towards this end, he noted this was the third of such programme here, adding that the current batch had the most number of recipients.

He said they continuously received applications and those eligible would be selected.

Dr Annuar was also asking for the additional allocation this year.

He disclosed that he had all the names of the roadside traders in Nangka constituency.

This he said, would enable him to contact them to understand their needs, enabling them to improve their way of doing business, including higher standard of hygiene and cleanliness.

Among those present was Fama Sibu division officer Mohd Hanifhaswandy.