IPOH: A total of RM46.5mil has been allocated by the Perak government to help small and medium entrepreneurs (SME) affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

       Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad (pic) said the allocation would help over 41,000 traders in the state.

       "We will give a one-off RM300 allowance to small traders registered with the local authority.

       "We have also allocated about RM1.85mil for the Perak Entrepreneurs Grant (Geran Usahawan Perak) that will benefit about 619 recipients," he told a press conference at Jalan Tun Sambathan here on Tuesday (Oct 19).

       In August, Saarani said the state had spent over RM68.1mil on matters relating to Covid-19, including distribution of food boxes, purchases of items for frontliners and workers, extending the moratorium for tenants of local authorities and more.

       Saarani added that the allocation also included reparations amounting to RM30,000 for traders as the Hari Raya Aidilftiri bazaar was cancelled this year.

       "We will also give rent exemption to 10,264 stalls as well as providing moratorium for Yayasan Perak entrepreneurs funds and Yayasan Bina Upaya micro credit that will involve over 700 traders," he said.

       He added that another RM182,000 would be given to 91 handicraft entrepreneurs under the Bantuan Perak Sejahtera Usahawan Kraftangan Perak.

       "This includes a one-off RM2,000 allowance that will hopefully be enough for them to resume their businesses.

       "Apart from the cash aid, I have also requested all state agencies and government-linked companies to use products from Perak as official gifts," he said.