By Mustakim Ramli
AMPANG, April 23 — The loan approval process for Yayasan Hijrah Selangor (Hijrah) business capital loans will be expedited to five working days.
Hijrah executive director Dato’ Seri Mohamad Suparadi Md Noor said its current 14-day period is too long thus making it difficult for traders seeking financial assistance.
“I have discussed this with the officers and gave a challenge to those I have identified, that in five working days, those who applied for loans will get it.
“We know they need the money, but if it is 14 days, it doesn’t help. So in two weeks time, we will ensure they (applicants) will get the loan within five working days,” he said at the Selangor Hijrah Tour and Iftar programme in Kampung Pandan Dalam here yesterday.
Meanwhile, Pandan MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail hoped Hijrah will simplify the loan process for women traders as many of them were affected by Covid-19.
“Many women were laid off and they need something (loan) to generate extra income,” she said.
She said on the issue of repayment, it is not to be worried, as the group is the most diligent in repaying loans.
Hijrah was established six years ago to provide easy, fast capital that does not burden small traders facing financial constraints.
On February 10, the state government launched the Darul Ehsan Business Scheme (NaDi) to help individuals just starting their business by offering loans ranging from RM1,000 to RM5,000.
