The government has to date, channelled RM2.55 billion to micro-small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the Prihatin Special Grant (GKP) and GKP 2.0 programme.
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said under the Kita Prihatin package, new applications and appeals are being screening and cross-checked by the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) and local authorities. The targeted payment date will be set in March, 2021 as told by Tengku Zafrul.
“For micro SMEs that had received GKP before, they do not need to re-register and the RM1,000 finance aid will be credited into their account.”
The government also provides reskilling and upskilling programmes under PENJANA
Meanwhile, the National Economic Recovery Plan (PENJANA) which covers reskilling and upskilling programmes also recorded an increase in participation – from 134,137 to 134,179 as recorded in the previous week.
He said individuals interested in joining the related courses may visit the websites of the relevant ministries and agencies. The ministries involved in the programmes include Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Tourism, Arts and Culture and also Higher Education. Whereas, the agencies include are Human Capital Development Bhd, MARA, East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) and Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA).
Furthermore, RM100 million worth of fund for TEKUN Business Recovery Scheme (TBRS) has benefitting 14,946 micro SMEs. Government also provides other financings including PENJANA SME amounting to RM2 billion and RM1 billion PENJANA financing for SMEs and micro SMEs in the tourism sector.
As of Jan 15, 2021, Tengku Zafrul said the PENJANA micro credit financing under Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) has benefited 9,652 micro SMEs, involving an allocation of RM328.1 million.
Bumiputera Relief Financing (BRF) introduced by Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd worth RM200 million has also benefited 437 SMEs. As for Technical and Digital Usage Support for SMEs and mid-tier companies (MTC), RM23.4 million has been channelled to 5,941 businesses in the form of grants and loans for digitalisation service subscriptions.
The government has also backed up the agriculture and food industry with an allocation of RM400 million for farmers, cultivators and breeders. Under this scheme, a total of RM74.5 million has been disbursed to 7,012 micro agricultural SMEs.
Individuals who wish to know more about Prihatin Special Grant Permai can go to IRB website.
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