AIM channeled RM1.5bil to micro-entrepreneurs from January to July, says MD

KUALA NERUS: Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) channelled RM1.5bil in funding to 203,069 registered Sahabat Usahawan or micro-entrepreneurs nationwide from January to July this year.

Its managing director, Shamir Aziz said the amount showed an increase compared to the same period last year and reached 61% of the target of RM2.7bil set this year.

“Actually, each year before Hari Raya, there is an increase (in the amount of funding).

“It may be because of the uncertain and relatively slow economic situation, so more individuals want to do business to help their families,” he said after the launch of the “Tuisyen Untuk Anak Sahabat Usahawan AIM” here Thursday (Aug 9).

The ceremony was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

AIM chairman Datuk Seri Syed Hussian Syed Junid was also present.

Shamir said the percentage of financing repayments by Sahabat also stood at an excellent 99%.

According to him, there are 320,000 AIM Sahabat in the country comprising single mothers, B40 and B50 groups whose income is RM5,300 and below.

“This is an excellent record because in the post-pandemic situation and without the services of debt collectors, guarantors and collateral… mothers (Sahabat) can make repayments without fail,” he said.

AIM was established on Sept 17, 1987, as a private trust body incorporated under the Trustees (Incorporation) Act 1952 (Act 258).

Meanwhile, 4,400 children of AIM Sahabat nationwide have benefited from the free tuition programme implemented by the national micro-credit organisation since July last year.

Shamir said they have allocated RM1.2mil for the free tuition programme, which benefits Year Five and Year Six students, this year nationwide, including Sabah and Sarawak.

He said the programme’s main goal was to improve the performance of the children of AIM Sahabat in English and Mathematics.

“There are 133 tuition centres and 197 teachers nationwide who serve voluntarily and only receive tokens at a minimal rate.

“These tuition centres are actually branch offices of AIM which we convert into tuition classes in the evening to give the less fortunate children of AIM Sahabat the opportunity to get additional education.

“We also provide food and drinks for them so that they can not only study in these centres but will not be hungry,” he said at the launch of the tuition programme for AIM Sabahat children here Thursday.

The programme’s launch was attended by 8,000 AIM Sahabat from Terengganu.

Shamir also said that in addition to helping AIM Sahabat’s children excel in their studies, the free tuition programme also helps unemployed graduates generate income, with each graduate paid RM50 for each subject and each teaching session.

“At least, the unemployed graduates have something to do and earn some pocket money. It is also a way for them to contribute back to society,” he added. – BK