SEBUYAU: The Industrial Development Ministry and Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) will jointly intensify efforts to develop the small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) in the food-based industry.
Assistant Minister of Industrial Development (Investment and Promotion) Datuk Julaihi Narawi the intensification of this ‘go rural’ programme was meat to benefit the rural populace.
He said the abundance of food products and the important roles played by SMEs prompted the move to boost the rural economy.
“SMEs in the food-based industry has potential for growth, so the ministry and Mardi will continue to work together to organise courses for those interested in the industry.
“By giving the people an opportunity to participate in the industry, the objective to become a high-income society will be achieved in the rural areas too,” he said at the closing of a two-day course `Food processing technology: Kerepek and sauce production’ at Sebuyau Area Fishermen Association (PNK) premises here yesterday.
Fifty-six people attended the course that was organised by the ministry and Mardi.
On SMEs, Julaihi, who is also Assistant Minister of Rural Development, said about 98 per cent of industries in the country and state were SMEs.
“Knowing the important roles by played by SMEs towards the economy, the government is setting aside huge allocations to develop SMEs, and the people must grab this opportunity.”
He said the ministry, for instance, provided soft loans ranging from RM20,000 to RM200, 000 with repayment period of between five and seven years for those interested in venturing into SMEs.
Meanwhile, Julaihi urged Sebuyau PNK to play a more active role in selling fish, particularly ‘ikan terubok’, since Sebuyau was synonymous with the much-sought-after fish.
Also present were Samarahan Resident Abdul Rahman Sebli Senusi and Simunjan District officer Zainul Abidin.