Johor Baharu, Oct 28- The Indian community especially entrepreneurs and small business operators are urged to seize the opportunity provided by the government through specific provisions for the community in the Budget 2014.
MIC deputy president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said an allocation of RM50 million provided through the Young Indian Entrepreneurs Development Scheme (SPUMI) under the TEKUN Financing Scheme should be used optimally to improve their economic status.
Besides that, loans are also available for Malaysian Indian entrepreneurs through Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, that has not been utilised by the community, he said.
“These are all opportunities given by the government to be used optimally. The government will give more opportunities to small businesses and Indian entrepreneurs to improve their economy,” said Subramaniam, who is also the Minister of Health, when met during his casual visit to Fiesta Deepavali Bazaar in Jalan Ungku Puan, here last night.
Under Budget 2014, the government also allocated RM100 million for education and skills training as it continues to focus on the progress of the Malaysian Indian community. The total includes RM28 million for 176 Tamil pre-schools and i-Sinar programmes.
Commenting on the bazaar, he hopes the state government will make it one of the events in the tourism calendar and not just focus on sales activities alone but also include cultural activities.
– Bernama
