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Borneo Post
28-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak scales up entrepreneur support through skills, grants, digital tools
Awang Tengah (fourth right) prepares to officiate at SUS 2025, witnessed by (from left) Iskandar, Ripin, Malcolm, Asfia, Naroden, Pang and Dzulkornain. BINTULU (June 28): The Sarawak government remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing entrepreneurial development across the state. According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, the state administration is actively building entrepreneurial capacity through initiatives focused on essential skills such as accounting fundamentals and digital proficiency. He added that between 2021 and April 2025, the State Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (Mintred), together with state and federal agencies, had implemented over 930 capacity-building programmes that had benefitted more than 73,000 entrepreneurs throughout Sarawak. 'Access to business assistance, whether financial or advisory, is crucial for entrepreneurs to start, sustain and grow their ventures,' said Awang Tengah, also the state Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, in his opening remarks for the Showcase Usahawan Sarawak (SUS) 2025 at Times Square Megamall here on Friday. The event, which concludes today, was jointly organised by Mintred and its strategic partners. Also present at the opening ceremony were Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Deputy Minister for Mintred, Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh; Deputy State Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat; assemblymen Iskandar Turkee (Jepak) and Johnny Pang (Tanjong Batu), as well as Mintred advisor Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais and its permanent secretary Dzulkornain Masron. Adding on, Awang Tengah said the Sarawak government had rolled out extensive support programmes through Mintred, as well as departments and agencies including the Department of Agriculture Sarawak, Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), and Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC). 'Mintred alone has channelled RM204 million in assistance to more than 41,800 MSMEs (micro small-and-medium enterprises) in Sarawak under various programmes including the Graduate Towards Entrepreneurship (GERAK) and Technical and Vocational Entrepreneurs (USTEV) , which provide grants of up to RM20,000 to graduates and skilled school-leavers to help them start up and expand their businesses. 'The government also runs the Go Digital programme, offering grants of up to RM10,000 to facilitate the purchase of digital hardware, software and services. 'The Sarawak Micro Credit Scheme (SKMS) provides financial assistance for MSMEs to expand their operations, while the Small and Medium Industry Loan Scheme (SPIKS) supports Bumiputera-owned SMEs in obtaining working capital, purchasing equipment, or renovating business premises. 'Additionally, the 'Jum REGISTA Bisnes', implemented by Mintred in collaboration with other agencies, has helped register 4,280 informal entrepreneurs into the formal business sector.' Awang Tengah thus called upon Sarawak entrepreneurs to actively seize the opportunities offered through these government initiatives to grow and future-proof their businesses. 'To date, over 178,000 entrepreneurs in Sarawak have received support from both state and federal agencies, amounting to more than RM3.3 billion. These efforts will continue to ensure our entrepreneurs thrive and scale up their ventures.' Meanwhile, a total of RM1,556,000 was disbursed to the participants of entrepreneurial assistance, in connection with SUS 2025 here. On the showcase, Awang Tengah highlighted it as a platform not only to showcase and market quality products from across Sarawak's districts and divisions, but also to connect local entrepreneurs with wider markets. 'The 2024 SUS editions in Miri and AEON Mall Tebrau City in Johor Bahru generated RM17.7 million in combined sales, with participation from 100 Sarawakian entrepreneurs. 'One standout success story from SUS in Miri is Watiza Agrofarm Sdn Bhd, a company that produces salted duck eggs. Through business-matching sessions, they achieved RM1 million in potential sales,' he said. Watiza Agrofarm further raised Sarawak's profile at the national level when, on Jan 20 this year, it emerged as a winner in the Rural Business Challenge (RBC) 2.0, organised by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), which earned it a business grant of RM500,000. The SUS 2025 event also involved the participation of six major retail chains – Emart, Everrise, AEON, Doremart, Mydin, and Mari Mart – with projected sales of RM3 million. In addition, Mintred, in collaboration with the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), had set up a 'live streaming booth' to enable entrepreneurs promote and sell their products online via TikTok Shop live sessions. Other activities include the 'Kamek Digital Entrepreneurial Transformation Course' at Promenade Hotel Bintulu, which signed up over 150 participants, as well as an embroidery workshop held on the main SUS stage. The next SUS is scheduled to take place at Queensbay Mall in Penang this Aug 28 until Sept 1. Awang Tengah entrepreneurial development Mintred
Borneo Post
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Science-based approach guiding Sarawak towards low-carbon status, says Awg Tengah
Len Talif (centre) and Jack (second from left), along with guests and workshop participants, pose for a group photo after the closing ceremony. KUCHING (June 25): Sarawak is moving towards becoming a low-carbon state through a science-based, innovative and inclusive approach, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. The Second State Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development said other efforts include the enactment of the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance 2023, implementation of the state's climate change policy, and investments in renewable energy such as hydroelectric, solar and biomass. 'All these initiatives are aligned with Sarawak's aspiration to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and become a regional leader in the green economy,' he said in a speech for the closing ceremony of a workshop for Environmental Lovers Club (PALS) teacher advisors, here today. The text of his speech was read by State Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh. The event was attended by representatives from 100 schools across the state. Awang Tengah added that at the school level, PALS serves as a key platform in educating students on environmental sustainability. In this regard, he welcomed all efforts spearheaded by the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) and other strategic partners in strengthening environmental education, including major initiatives such as the establishment of PALS in all schools across the state. 'As proof of the Sarawak government's commitment to sustainability education, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg approved a special grant of RM13.7 million last year to support the establishment of PALS clubs in all schools by 2030 or earlier, in line with the aspiration to make Sarawak a green, healthy and sustainable state,' he said. The grant, he added, reflects the government's seriousness in involving the younger generation directly in conservation and preservation efforts. On the workshop, Awang Tengah said it was a timely effort toward strengthening educators' capacity to effectively deliver sustainability messages and to inspire students to actively participate in conservation. Also present at the closing ceremony were NREB Sarawak Environmental Quality Controller Datu Jack Liam, and Sarawak Education Department deputy director (Planning Sector) Dr Abang Andam @ Abang Adam Abang Deli. Awang Tengah innovative low-carbon Science
The Star
09-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Resolve land issues amicably, says minister
Awang Tengah (third from right) witnesses Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang (second from right) presenting a certificate to a land owner. SARAWAK has surveyed a total of 1.19 million hectares of native customary right (NCR) land as of Feb 27 this year. Deputy Premier Datuk Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said 935,000ha had been gazetted as Bumiputera Communal Reserves under Section 6 of the State Land Code (SLC). 'Additionally, 98,340 individual lots, covering 117,051ha, have been surveyed under Section 18, with land titles issued for 32,185 lots, spanning 45,000ha,' added Awang Tengah. He said this at the presentation of 157 land titles to 133 recipients from the Igu/Tamin area in Selangau and Pasai Siong. A total of RM6.79mil in compensation was to be distributed to 365 landowners whose lands were acquired for various development projects. These included the Baleh-Mapai 500KV transmission line, road construction works in Sungai Lengan and the upgrading of the Salim Water Treatment Plant. Awang Tengah, who is also the Sarawak Natural Resources and Urban Development Minister, urged NCR landowners involved in disputes to resolve their issues amicably. He said the Sarawak Land and Survey Department is unable to proceed with survey works on NCR lands that are under dispute or involved in court proceedings. 'Settle the matters amicably and with wisdom. Only then can applicants submit a fresh application to rejoin the NCR Land Survey Programme. 'If even a single claimant disagrees, the survey will not proceed,' he said. Awang Tengah also reminded landowners that claims must be accompanied with valid legal evidence and correspond with existing government records.
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sarawak approves 82 resettlement projects
KUCHING: A total of 82 projects under the Resettlement Scheme (SPS) and Village Expansion Scheme (SPK) have been approved as of April 30 under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and the People's Project, said Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. He said the overall project provides a total of 7,932 housing lots with an estimated cost of RM1.5 billion. 'Of the total, 25 projects are completed while the implementation of the remaining 57 projects will continue until the end of the 12MP and in the 13MP,' he said when winding up on behalf of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development at the State Assembly here today. Awang Tengah, who is also the Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, said that since 2018, infrastructure development for the scheme has been implemented with new specifications involving the construction of, among others, paved roads, concrete drains and water and electricity supply reticulation systems, involving an average cost of RM150,000 per lot. 'However, taking the people's welfare into consideration, the government has set the land premium payment at no more than RM2,500, which can be paid in annual instalments for up to 10 years,' he said.
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Over 1.2 million hectares of NCR land surveyed in Sarawak
KUCHING: The Sarawak government has always recognised and safeguarded the people's right to the Native Customary Right (NCR) land, provided that it is valid and established under the provisions of existing land laws. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said that through the New NCR Land Survey Initiative, carried out from October 2010 to April 30 this year, ??1,200,766 hectares or 2,967,093 acres have been surveyed. 'Of that total, about 935,760 hectares or 2,312,263 acres have been gazetted as Native Communal Reserve (Agriculture) under Section 6 of the Sarawak Land Code. This survey work is based on applications from the parties involved,' he said when winding up for the Natural Resources and Urban Development Ministry at the State Assembly sitting here today. Awang Tengah, who is also Sarawak's Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, said that since 2017, the survey has also focused on individual lots for the issuance of title deeds under Section 18 of the state's land code. 'As of April 30 this year, a total of 99,438 individual lots have been successfully surveyed, involving an area of ??118,749 hectares or 293,429 acres that have and will be issued land title deeds under section 18. 'To expedite the survey of individual lots of NCR land, the claimants must be present during the survey of the area concerned, mark their land boundaries clearly and avoid disputes so that the survey can be done more smoothly,' he said. The Sarawak government, he added, is committed to ensuring the continuity of the survey programme and will continue to provide the funds needed, in addition to the funds received from the federal government.
