By Amanda L
KUCHING, June 13: Twenty entrepreneurs in Satok received machinery and equipment worth RM332,000 including blenders, meat slicers and other food-processing tools in the second phase of the Agriculture Facilitation Fund (AFF) aimed at strengthening small businesses and increasing production output.
The assistance was awarded based on the recipients’ business performance and sales records with the objective of helping them expand production capacity, improve product quality and increase sales.
Speaking to reporters after witnessing the handover ceremony at the Satok constituency service centre today, Satok assemblyman Dato Ibrahim Baki said the assistance formed part of the second phase of the programme for entrepreneurs involved in agriculture-based and food-processing businesses in the constituency.
He said the recipients received various machines and equipment tailored to their business needs, including cake mixers, freezers, coconut-processing machines and other tools used in food production.
“This is the second phase. Previously, we had the first phase and today we are assisting another twenty entrepreneurs in Satok.
“Most of the equipment provided is used in food production and processing to help entrepreneurs improve their operations,” he said.
Ibrahim who is also Deputy Minister of Utility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and PETROS) added there was still funding available under the programme and that preparations were underway for a third phase of assistance this year.
He said applications for the next round were currently being coordinated through the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth Economic Bureau and the Sarawak Agriculture Department which would screen and evaluate submissions before approvals are granted.
“We hope the process can be completed as soon as possible so that more entrepreneurs can benefit from the programme,” he noted. — DayakDaily
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