PUTRAJAYA: A special grant is being considered to ease the burden of micro, small and medium enterprises affected by the recent floods, said the Prime Minister.

       Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the Economic Action Council meeting which he chaired yesterday had discussed the impact of the floods on these enterprises as well as those who carry out informal businesses.

       He said at the meeting, bodies such as the Statistics Department, the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia, the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia and the Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry had shared the impact the floods had had on small businesses.

       “They also presented several actions that could be put in place so that these enterprises can have a fresh start.

       “The meeting has agreed in principle for a special grant to be given to micro and informal enterprise owners to relieve some of their burden. This is aside from other financial assistance provided by government agencies,” he said in a statement.

       Two entrepreneurs from Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam and Taman Sri Nanding in Hulu Langat also shared their experience, losses and problems they faced in their business after the floods.

       The Prime Minister said the Finance Ministry will come up with proposals to present to the government, after holding discussions with the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry, agencies and various chambers of commerce.

       Follow-up visits to identified locations will be done to ensure the aid assistance programme for the micro, small and medium enterprises reaches the target groups, he added.

       “God willing, I will be announcing the initiatives after the details have been sorted out and finalised. The government remains committed towards the well-being of the Malaysian Family,” he said.