PMR should cover all districts, says Hajiji
Published on: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Published on: Tue, May 13, 2025
By: Lagatah Toyos Text Size: Hajiji (fourth from left) with Anwar (fifth from left) and others at the closing of the PMR programme in Tawau. TAWAU: The Government's Madani Rakyat Programme (PMR) aimed at spurring grassroots economic growth has been extended to district levels, providing Sabahan entrepreneurs better access to business development initiatives. Speaking at the Sabah Madani Rakyat Programme 2025 closing ceremony at Tawau Municipal Council Square, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the move helps promote local products, drive economic growth and strengthen domestic tourism. 'This proves the Madani Government's commitment to reaching all communities, regardless of location,' he said, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiating the event. Hajiji urged the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives to continue supporting Sabah's entrepreneurial sector, citing initiatives like the Premis Tamu Desa Project, Tekun TikTok Shop digitalisation and RM800 million in funding that have benefited over 50,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He also highlighted the Ministry's ehsan@Kuskop scheme, which combats hardcore poverty through targeted training, financing and mentorship and called for its expansion into rural Sabah. To further aid entrepreneurs, Hajiji proposed increasing banking access in rural areas, suggesting Bank Rakyat open more branches or install Auto Teller Machines. At the State level, he noted youth-focused schemes like Skim Jaya Usahawan Belia (Syabas) and Federal programmes such as Skim Usahawan Siswazah (Buss) and Skim Usahawan Teknikal (Best), which assist graduates and vocational trainees. Additionally, Yayasan Usaha Maju (YUM), established in 1995, continues to provide microloans, particularly to women entrepreneurs. Hajiji linked Sabah's improving economy with GDP rising from RM82.1 billion (2022) to RM83.2 billion (2023) and a projected RM84.9 billion in 2024 to strong Federal-State collaboration. Poverty reduction efforts, including Rumah Mesra SMJ and Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat Sabah, have also seen success through joint initiatives. 'This close partnership is key to building a progressive, prosperous Madani society,' he added. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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