Approximately RM30mil has been approved by Johor Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) to support local entrepreneurs in their business ventures. According to Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang, this total allocation was granted within the first eight months of this year. During this time, the Mara Business Financing Scheme assisted 285 recipients in Johor. Rubiah stated that this funding will enable Johor entrepreneurs to expand their capacity and presence in the business and industrial sectors. This announcement was made during the “Jom Business Johor” event at the Mara Technology Entrepreneurship Complex in Johor Baru.
Rubiah highlighted that Mara, as a federal agency, has consistently played a significant role in the development of trade and industry within the bumiputra community through entrepreneurship and education programs. She emphasized that this is evident through their programs aimed at enhancing the position of bumiputras in the country and creating opportunities for them to compete globally. One example is the Gate to Global (GTG) program, which allows potential entrepreneurs with internationally recognized certifications to participate in international promotions or expos. Through business matching with industry players, they can gain access to export their products abroad.
Currently, there are 57 active entrepreneurs under the program, and last year, three local entrepreneurs participated in an expo held in Dubai. Mara also provides business premises facilities, offering 931 business lots across 60 projects in 10 districts in Johor. This initiative covers areas such as Johor Baru, Kota Tinggi, Mersing, Segamat, Batu Pahat, Muar, Tangkak, Kluang, Pontian, and Kulai.
Rubiah revealed that the tenant development program has been implemented to provide exposure in business digitization and certification based on industry standards and requirements. Additionally, six entrepreneurs will receive assistance through the Advanced Technology Entrepreneur Development Programme (Adapt), which involves equipment and machine assistance in various industries. Furthermore, six participants from the youth group will receive offer letters to participate in the Mara incubator facility through the Start-Up Accelerator Programme (Star) in creative technology and multimedia. These programs will be held at the Johor Mara office in Plaza Larkin.
Rubiah expressed her hope that the various aids and programs provided by Mara will be fully utilized by the recipients in order to enhance their business capacity.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
