KUALA LUMPUR: Government agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) have been urged to collaborate to help execute the SemarakNiaga Keluarga Malaysia Programme (SemarakNiaga) for the well-being of Keluarga (Perniagaan) Malaysia.

       Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (pic) said such a collaboration would create jobs to assist the rakyat in rebuilding their lives, provide support to affected businesses and strengthen the country’s social protection system.

       “Overall, the government is confident that this initiative will contribute to Keluarga Malaysia’s recovery and the country’s socio-economic development in a more balanced, inclusive and sustainable manner,” he said in a written interview titled “SemarakNiaga Keluarga Malaysia Initiative (Budget 2022)”.

       He said SemarakNiaga was the government’s commitment to help businesses recover, as well as regain their capabilities and competitiveness following the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

       “To this end, a total of RM40bil had been allocated through Budget 2022, which includes various forms of financing, including equity injections,” he said.

       Under SemarakNiaga, Ismail Sabri said the government also provided RM22bil worth of guarantees through Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan, including RM2bil specifically for bumiputra, making it easier for SMEs to apply for new financing.

       “SemarakNiaga reflects the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia, with measures that are open to the business community, from microenterprises to publicly listed companies.

       “However, we know that it is the MSMEs that are most impacted by the pandemic. They must be supported, whether it is through financing schemes such as direct loans or matching grants, to empower them to restart their business,” he said, reported Bernama.

       Hence, Ismail Sabri said the business community should seize these opportunities to help them recover and get back on their feet, which, in turn would support the country’s socio-economic recovery efforts.

       Entrepreneurs and business owners are encouraged to visit the Budget 2022 portal at https://budget.mof.gov.my/manfaat/.

       “This interactive portal provides information on the schemes and benefits under SemarakNiaga,” he said.

       Moving forward, he said the government remained committed to help businesses recover, as well as improve their resilience and competitiveness, particularly for MSMEs.