JOHOR BARU: The Johor government has begun disbursing RM11.2 million in flood relief aid to affected traders and entrepreneurs, marking the latest phase of recovery efforts following the recent monsoon floods.
Under the northeast monsoon flood disaster assistance programme's fifth phase, the financial aid aims to alleviate losses suffered by small businesses, traders, and entrepreneurs struggling to rebuild.
Johor Youth, Sports, Entrepreneurial Development, Cooperatives and Human Resources Committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said 3,749 household heads will receive RM3,000 each under the initiative.
The state government has also allocated RM500 per affected trader within the Johor Baru City Council and Kota Tinggi District Council, benefitting 441 traders.
Further assistance includes exemptions for traders operating at Ramadan and Raya bazaars. Local councils across Johor will waive all fees except rental for these bazaars, while all charges for Ramadan bazaars will be exempted, benefitting 9,839 traders across 180 locations.
Hairi said the Johor Entrepreneur Development Council (MPUNJ), chaired by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, in collaboration with Johor Entrepreneurs Corporation Sdn Bhd (PUJB), has mobilised additional aid for flood-affected entrepreneurs.
This includes financial assistance, moratorium facilities, and the replacement of damaged business assets. Several agencies under MPUNJ are also providing targeted support.
Bank Negara Malaysia has introduced a disaster relief facility offering financing of up to RM700,000 for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and RM150,000 for micro-enterprises.
The facility aims to repair or replace flood-damaged business assets and provide working capital, with a repayment period of up to seven years, including a six-month moratorium.
Bank Rakyat is offering disaster recovery financing at a 3.5 per cent interest rate, with a seven-year tenure and a six-month moratorium.
The Johor Agriculture Department is assisting affected farmers and agribusiness owners through the Agro-food disaster relief programme, covering natural disasters such as floods and non-natural events like pest outbreaks.
Hairi said support includes agricultural input supplies, pest control measures, and infrastructure rehabilitation.
Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) has announced rent deferments for business premises, business financing schemes, entrepreneur development grants, and loan rescheduling under its credit recovery programme.
Bank Muamalat has introduced a flood relief package, including a six-month moratorium on loan repayments and free replacement of damaged banking cards.
The Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) is offering free replacements of business registration certificates for flood-affected traders, requiring proof of impact through a police report or village chief verification.
SME Bank's disaster relief facility provides financial support for business asset restoration and working capital needs. Eligibility criteria include recognition by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) as an affected area and compliance with SME Corporation Malaysia's classification.
Financing is available up to RM700,000 for SMEs and RM150,000 for micro-enterprises at a 3.5 per cent annual interest rate.
Source: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/03/1192458/flood-hit-businesses-johor-receive-rm112-million-financial-aid