RM20 mln for MaGIC, agencies to conduct social enterprise development programme

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will conduct a social enterprise development programme with an allocation of RM20 million to the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC) and selected agencies, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said.

In addition, the pilot project for the e-Procurement registration to social enterprises that has a Government Impact e-Procurement Programme Certificate from MaGIC and other selected agencies to become suppliers to the government.

“With this initiative, social enterprises can supply goods and services in total up to RM20 million per year,” he said when tabling Budget 2021 in the Parliament here, today.

Among others, he said the government also intended to enhance the role of the government-linked companies (GLC) and civil society.

“Proactive action by the GLC to fulfil their corporate social responsibility serves as a benchmark for other corporates, especially during this challenging period,” he said.

More programmes will be implemented through GLCs, civil society and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), starting with the social field and environmental conservation, in complementing the civil service delivery system, he said.

He said the government intends to work with NGOs and social enterprises in the national development agenda.

Through the concept of matching grants, the government together with Yayasan Hasanah has funded initiatives such as income generation, especially for those affected during COVID-19.

Among the initiatives funded are sewing of face masks by the indigenous people of Sarawak under Tanoti, the Orang Asli empowerment project in Hulu Selangor by EPIC Society and the OKU entrepreneurship initiative by the Selangor Youth Community (SAY).

The Ministry will distribute funds to NGOs as follows: First: RM50 million for income generation and employment promotion initiatives for the vulnerable and RM30 million for initiatives to address social issues and RM20 million for environmental conservation initiatives.

The grant of RM100 million will be matched with contributions from GLC-owned foundations.

-- BERNAMA