Image credit: ProjekMM
THE allocation of RM100mil for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the state to obtain interest-free loans has been a lifesaver.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar said the initiative was tabled under Johor Budget 2022.
“The entrepreneurs only have to repay the principal while the state government covers the interest.
“It has helped a lot of businesses hit by the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said after attending a dialogue with some 250 small business owners at Sungai Pinggang in Benut, Pontian.
Also present were Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad and Pontian MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
On a separate matter, Noh said the government has never practised favouritism when giving financial aid.
“People, regardless of their race or political affiliation, are free to apply for any form of assistance from the government, especially SMEs.
“We will never cherry pick who to help based on who they support,” he said.
Noh said such a practice would have negative consequences and make it more difficult for businesses to survive the pandemic.
“There is no issue of only providing help to those who support us,” he said in response to a question from a participant at the dialogue.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2022/03/14/noh-rm100mil-interest-free-loans-a-lifesaver-for-smes