Kuching: More than 20 applications for assistance from entrepreneurs who are people with disabilities (PWD) across the country have been approved by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) this year, involving an allocation of over RM500,000. Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang disclosed that the assistance includes grants and interest-free loans of up to RM50,000 per person, depending on business needs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, in Sarawak, two disabled entrepreneurs have received this special funding, including Mohamad Hazemi Mat, the owner of Duri Cendol, who is deaf, and another entrepreneur in Matang, Kuching. Rubiah mentioned that Mohamad Hazemi's business, operational since December 2023, is now generating a monthly income exceeding RM35,000. The business also employs seven deaf and mute disabled workers.

Rubiah emphasized MARA's commitment to supporting disabled individuals in becoming successful entrepreneurs through a comprehensive support system that includes training, grants, loans, monitoring, and business development programs. She also proposed the establishment of a special fund to assist Bumiputera contractors in Sarawak involved in high-tech and renewable energy industries. This initiative aims to cultivate more Bumiputera entrepreneurs in these sectors, thereby creating new business opportunities in Sarawak.

She revealed her discussions with MARA about creating such funds to foster Bumiputera entrepreneurship in technology and renewable energy industries. The proposal is set to be brought to MARA's management and the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development for further consideration.

Rubiah further stated that, this year alone, MARA has invested over RM30 million to develop 250 entrepreneurs in Sarawak across various categories. This includes the NITA Fund for women entrepreneurs, offering up to RM150,000.