KUALA LUMPUR: The government has approved a total of 7,266 applications for RM1.366 billion in loans under the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) initiative of the National Economic Regeneration Plan (PENJANA) as of March 19, 2021.
Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the government had allocated RM2 billion under the programme, which gave priority to SMEs that had never received a loan from a bank before.
As of March 26, the Bumiputera Relief Financing (BRF) fund introduced by Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB) has been channelled to 749 SMEs involving a total of RM226.8 million compared to 675 SMEs with a total of RM195.2 million the previous week.
For the SME Soft Loan Fund operated by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), a total of RM11.82 billion has been approved and will benefit 24,921 SMEs.
"This amount includes the Special Relief Facility (SRF), Automation and Digitalisation Facility (ADF), All Economic Sectors (AES) Facility and Agrofood Facility (AF) funds.
"Even though the SRF fund has been fully dispensed, SMEs can still apply for available financing schemes through BNM funds such as ADF, AES and AF," he said when presenting the 48th National Inter-Agency Economic Stimulus Implementation and Coordination Unit (LAKSANA) report today.
He explained that SMEs can also obtain other financing through the imsme.com.my platform which can help match the required financing with various fund providers for SMEs.
Meanwhile, as of March 26, the PENJANA Tourism Sector Financing has approved 308 applications out of a total of 626 applications, with a total funding of RM61.9 million.
He said that for the Technical and Digital Consumption for SMEs and Companies at the Middle Level (MTC), a total of RM55.5 million was channelled to 12,476 businesses in the form of grants and loans for subscriptions to digitisation services as of March 26.
As for the CENDANA initiative, a total of RM2.43 million was channelled to 441 recipients comprising artists, collectives and organisations actively involved in the Malaysian arts and culture sector.
"Creative industry activators are advised to use this opportunity provided in producing their work. All industry players involved can apply for assistance from related agencies via www.mycreative.com.my and www.cendana.com.my," he said.
Tengku Zafrul also urged small traders and micro entrepreneurs to apply for the Geran Khas Prihatin (GKP) 3.0 where applications will be open until April 15, 2021.
On March 17, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced GKP 3.0 under the Strategic Programme to Empower the People and the Economy (PEMERKASA) initiative where each eligible micro-enterprise and SME will receive one-off assistance of RM1,000.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Apr 07 2021
Tengku Zafrul also urged small traders and micro entrepreneurs to apply for the Geran Khas Prihatin (GKP) 3.0 where applications will be open until April 15, 2021. Filepic/BERNAMA
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.