KUALA LUMPUR: Mara Digital Mall, the new IT centre for Bumiputera traders, which opens operation since a week ago at the MARA Atrium Busana mall, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, will be expanded to all states next year.
Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this was to enable more Bumiputera traders to be involved in the marketing of digital goods and information technology (IT) gadgets.
He said before, there was limited opportunity for Bumiputera traders to do business at IT centres because of the high rental.
However, seeing the potential in the business, we want to provide opportunities for more people to venture into the sector, he told reporters after the announcement of PMB Investment Best Fund Performance and launch of the Brand Ambassador Programme here yesterday.
He said it was also to enliven the existing Mara building and turn it a shopping haven for Bumiputera.
“We have a few Mara buildings which have to be revamped in terms of products. People go there not only to shop for clothing and food, they also want IT goods,” he added.
On a related development, Ismail Sabri refuted the claim by some quarters that the six-month rental subsidy given to traders at Mara Digital Mall as ‘pampering’ the traders.
He said the rental subsidy was given to the traders as a temporary measure until their business became stable.
On the Brand Ambassador Programme, Ismail Sabri said continuous and aggressive campaign by the PMB Investment staff would help to attract more investors, especially the young people. — Bernama