By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SHAH ALAM, Oct 26 — A RM300,000 allocation has been earmarked to assist disabled individuals and youths in the Indian community to expand their businesses next year.
Selangor Indian Entrepreneur Development (Sitham) initiative programme manager Kenneth Sam said their focus is on these two groups due to their limited participation in government aid programmes.
“Based on our research, we found these two groups are underrepresented compared to single mothers and women. We want this assistance to be balanced and beneficial for all groups.
“We will also help market Sitham entrepreneur products internationally to increase their income. We are targeting two types of products; textiles, and food and beverages using retort technology,” he said.
Kenneth was speaking at the Sitham appreciation ceremony for the state’s Indian community leaders, at the State Secretariat Building yesterday.
During the ceremony, 40 individuals were appointed as community leaders for the 2021/2022 session, with each receiving appreciation certificates for their service and support from Yayasan Hijrah Selangor chief executive officer, Datuk Mearia Hamzah.
Meanwhile, Bandar Bukit Tinggi state constituency community leader J. Arulnesan said he organised two assistance programmes for entrepreneurs to expand their businesses.
“The state government provides assistance, but sometimes they do not know how to access it. So, as Indian community leaders, our role is to provide guidance so the assistance reaches them.
“Furthermore, the increased assistance to RM5,000 is timely as it allows us to improve programmes for entrepreneurs,” he said.
On her part, Kinrara state constituency community leader Melissa Mages said she is currently running an assistance programme for housewives and single mothers to start small businesses, like selling traditional snacks.
“I am targeting at least 20 individuals who can benefit from this assistance programme, and it helps them generate their own income.
“With experience working in a Parliamentary office, it is easier for me to reach out to those in need and deliver government-provided assistance,” she said.
