SMEs get more than RM8mil injection for local, overseas promotion

JOHOR BARU: More than RM8.8mil has been allocated by the state government to Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn Bhd (PUJB) this year to promote products by local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in and out of the country, says a state executive councillor.

Johor youth, sports, entrepreneur development and cooperative committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said the state government will continue to help SMEs enhance the quality of their products so that they can enjoy good sales in the domestic and foreign markets.

“PUJB, together with the Johor Economic Planning Division, has introduced the Johor Entrepreneur Development Council, which has 49 government agencies to help all SMEs in the state.

“This includes the National Entrepreneur Group Economic Fund (Tekun Nasional) and Agriculture Department.

“Our aim is to help as many SMEs as we can.

“Last year, we spent close to RM395mil to organise 264 initiatives and development programmes, from which 24,448 entrepreneurs benefited.

“This year, we have spent about RM8.8mil, but only for product promotion,” he said when met after launching the Haos Ek third anniversary celebration at the White Hall Event Space in Kempas here yesterday.

Asked whether the state has any plans to help more SMEs this year, Mohd Hairi said that the matter has always been part of the government’s target.

“We do not have the details and numbers on how many have received our aid, which is why we are urging more SME operators to seek assistance from PUJB.”

Meanwhile, Mohd Hairi said two new Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centres (TMIYC) are scheduled to be completed next year, adding that Johor might announce the construction of another centre during the tabling of the state budget at the end of this year.“TMIYC Pasir Gudang is expected to be completed early next year, while TMIYC Iskandar Puteri will be ready in July next year.

“There is a huge demand for a TMIYC in every district. But we have to look at the state budget.

“I have requested a meeting with government agencies such as the Iskandar Regional Development Authority and the South-East Johor Development Authority to discuss the potential of developing TMIYC in other districts.

“There might be a new TMIYC. But this will depend on the state budget, so we need to wait for Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi’s budget announcement in November,” he said.

There is currently one TMIYC in Johor Baru. Another is expected to be completed this year in Muar.