Over 24,500 Pahang entrepreneurs and cooperatives secured RM425 million in loans and grants through government agencies.
TEMERLOH: A total of 24,592 entrepreneurs and cooperatives in Pahang have received loan and grant financing amounting to RM425 million as of September 30.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick announced this funding during an assembly with ministry staff and agency representatives.
He confirmed the financing was distributed through multiple government institutions including Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, TEKUN Nasional, and SME Bank.
Bank Rakyat, Perbadanan Nasional Berhad, SME Corporation, and the Cooperative Commission of Malaysia also participated in the financing programme.
Additionally, 674 entrepreneurs received entrepreneurship guidance and training from the National Entrepreneurship Institute.
SME Corporation implemented various entrepreneurship development programmes benefiting 2,205 entrepreneurs.
Ewon previously reported that the ministry channelled RM7.96 billion to 282,849 micro, small and medium enterprises nationwide in the first nine months of 2024.
Regarding cooperatives in Pahang, he revealed that 56 new cooperatives have been registered this year.
Ten cooperatives received financing totalling RM9.03 million under the Cooperative Commission of Malaysia Revolving Capital Fund.
Ewon expressed appreciation for the commitment shown by all ministry officers and agency staff in Pahang.
He emphasised their role in ensuring effective delivery of initiatives and assistance to entrepreneurs and cooperatives.
Meanwhile, the Hawkers and Small Traders Day Carnival 2025 is being held at Lurah Semantan for three days.
The carnival targets over 20,000 visitors with an expected sales value of RM1 million.
It also aims to generate financing potential of RM4 million for participating entrepreneurs.
HPPK 2025 features participation from 158 entrepreneurs across various categories.
These include eight food truck operators, 14 Anekarasa MADANI entrepreneurs, and 30 Satu Daerah Satu Industri entrepreneurs.
Additionally, 707 vendors operating at the Pekan Sehari on Sunday will be paired with 20 government exhibitor agencies from federal and state levels. – Bernama
