Latest news with #SKWAK
Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
PKK targets 4,500 bumiputera contractors in nationwide training drive
Ewon (front, second left) during the seminar on Thursday. KOTA KINABALU (May 15): The Pusat Khidmat Kontraktor (PKK) will be rolling out a series of training and capacity-building programmes throughout 2025 aimed at benefiting at least 4,500 Bumiputera contractors across the country. Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the initiative forms part of the government's ongoing commitment to upskilling Bumiputera contractors, particularly in specialised fields such as sewerage and sanitation systems. Speaking at the launch of the Seminar Pembangunan Kapasiti Kontraktor Berkaitan Sistem Kumbahan dan Pembetungan here on Thursday, Ewon said the training will cover both technical knowledge and entrepreneurship development. 'The focus will not only be on technical areas but also on company management, financial literacy, marketing, legal compliance and contractor rights. These are essential to help our contractors grow their businesses and stay competitive,' he said. He added that the seminars will be offered in both physical and online formats to make it easier for contractors from all over the country to participate. All courses will be provided free of charge. 'This year, PKK has lined up various seminars and training sessions. Our goal is to ensure that at least 4,500 Bumiputera contractors receive the support and knowledge they need to succeed,' he said. Ewon said the selection of topics is based on surveys conducted among Bumiputera contractors and feedback from industry associations. It also reflects the current needs of government agencies that require qualified contractors in specialised sectors like sewerage system works. He also expressed appreciation to the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) for recognising the seminar with 10 Contractor Continuous Development (CCD) points, which will benefit participants in maintaining their registration status. The minister said PKK's efforts are further strengthened through strategic collaborations with other government agencies such as the National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN), Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC), TEKUN Nasional and SME Bank. 'Skills development is not just about technical knowledge. It includes strengthening business acumen and management skills. That's why these partnerships are important,' he said. As of April 30, a total of 2,569 Bumiputera contractors in Sabah have registered and obtained Bumiputera status certification, with 1,101 in the G1 category. In Labuan, 453 contractors are certified, including 285 in the same category. Ewon also highlighted the availability of the Skim Kumpulan Wang Amanah Kontraktor (SKWAK), a government fund that provides interest-free, collateral-free financing to Bumiputera contractors in grades G1 to G5 who are awarded federal contracts by the Public Works Department (JKR) or the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS). 'SKWAK allows financing up to 25 per cent of the contract value. Thirty percent of the amount must be used to purchase building materials from registered Bumiputera vendors,' he said, adding that the current fund balance stands at RM2.4 million. Contractors selected for federal jobs are encouraged to approach PKK Sabah to apply for the facility. Ewon also mentioned the TEKUN Kontrak-i programme under TEKUN Nasional, which offers financing with no guarantor or deposit requirements, and a competitive management charge. A total of RM500 million has been allocated under the programme for 2025. 'To date, RM11.45 million has been approved for 178 small Bumiputera contractors in Sabah under this scheme,' he said. 'These efforts are part of the government's larger plan to strengthen the Bumiputera entrepreneur ecosystem, in line with the Malaysia MADANI vision of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.' Ewon called for continued cooperation among government agencies, industry groups and contractors to ensure the success of these programmes and to empower more Bumiputera entrepreneurs.
Daily Express
15-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Kuskop introduces financing schemes to aid Bumiputera contractors
Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025 Text Size: Ewon poses for a wefie with attendees. KOTA KINABALU: The Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (Kuskop) is offering the Kontrak-I programme and the Contractors Trust Fund Scheme (SKWAK) to support Bumiputera contractors awarded government tenders. Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said both initiatives aim to ease cash flow burdens and are part of the government's commitment to empower Bumiputera entrepreneurs. Advertisement He explained that SKWAK provides interest-free, collateral-free advances of up to 25 per cent of project value to G1–G5 contractors undertaking federal projects from JKR and JPS. Under Tekun Kontrak-I, contractors can also access financing without guarantors or deposits, with RM500 million allocated for 2025 and RM11.4 million already approved for 178 Sabah-based contractors as of March 31. Ewon announced this while officiating the Contractor Capacity Development Seminar attended by 300 participants, organised by the Contractor Service Centre under Kuskop. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
