GUA MUSANG, Oct 23 Orang Asli entrepreneurs do not want to lose out on the opportunity to utilise assistance offered by the government through the provision of financing facilities dedicated to small entrepreneurs in 2024.
Razali Ayeh, 48, an entrepreneur involved in banana, sweet potato and durian business from the Temiar tribe in Kampung Redip, Pos Hau said he was grateful to the government for not sidelining the Orang Asli community, even in capital funding, provided for under the Budget 2024.
“This is a good opportunity for young entrepreneurs who have financing issues for their business startup,” he told Bernama today.
“I hope to apply for Tekun (National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund), but have not had the opportunity. I hope this facility can continue economic activities that are facing the most significant problems in terms of capital constraints.”
According to him, the Orang Asli small traders who have just learned the business could obtain funds to continue their business activities, in addition to receiving assistance for equipment from the Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA).
Meanwhile, seamstress Johara Ibrahim, 46, from the Temiar tribe in Kampung Merlong, under the Kuala Betis Resettlement Programme (RPS) Kuala Betis, echoed Razali’s sentiments about being grateful to the government, especially for the various efforts taken to support her community in improving their living standards.
“I took tailoring classes after JAKOA sent me to a training centre in Kuantan, Pahang, and also got entrepreneur assistance (from JAKOA) to buy tailoring items including a sewing machine.
“Now the economy of the villagers is progressing and so too their skills, so we hope more Orang Asli individuals will move ahead with entrepreneur assistance, so that the villagers can break free of financial woes,” Johara said.
When tabling the Budget 2024 on Oct 13, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a RM330 million allocation for financing facilities under Tekun, to small traders including Orang Asli entrepreneurs, batik and craft entrepreneurs as well as for Sabah and Sarawak Bumiputera.
— Bernama
