Blueprint and i-SEED recipients (from left) Mohd Khairi, Jegatheswari Ramachandran, Ena Eda Zainul Nor and Rubendran Arumugam showing the equipment during the event held in Klang. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
SMALL, homegrown businesses managed to thrive in challenging times as the Selangor government has allocated RM13.5mil since 2016 to 3,256 traders.
Selangor socio-economic, empowerment, development and caring government committee chairman V. Ganabatirau said the Blueprint Poverty Eradication Assistance programme (BBPKNS). had provided opportunities for the B40 community.
“In desperate times, poor people need genuine and meaningful help to improve their economic status,” he said after he launched an aid presentation ceremony at the Klang District and Land Office.
Ganabatirau said this year, 334 people in nine districts received aid under BBPKNS.
They were provided with equipment assistance worth RM255,910 based on the type of business.
Similar to the BBPKNS programme is the Selangor Indian Empowerment and Entrepre-neurs Development (i-SEED) programme to improve the economic status of the Indian community.
“For this year, there were 175 successful applicants in nine districts and Klang alone saw 31 recipients.
“Equipment worth RM238,000 were given out to help develop the applicants’ business or enterprise,” said Ganabatirau.
He said that before 2008, only sewing machines were given but under BBPKNS and i-SEED, the state government offered various types of machines like flour mixers, ovens and grass choppers to help various small business operators earn a living and be independent.
The i-SEED programme was launched in April 2021.
Businessman Mohd Khairi Mohd Ham, 60, who received a photocopy machine under the BBPKNS programme, was grateful to the government.
“The aid has helped me to operate my stationery business in Jalan Kebun, Klang.
“With the new machine, I can now earn about RM3,000 a month,” said the father of three.
Home baker Mageswary R. Loganathan, 45, received a mixer and fridge which helped improve her cake business.
“I have been in this business for three years and my baking skill helps me to earn a living.”
Sarimah Kastin, 62, received two stove burners and a potato cutter for her curry puff business.
“I have a stall in Jalan Kenangan, Meru and this equipment will help me,” she said.
To qualify, applicants must be born in Selangor or be a resident for more than 10 years, earn a monthly individual or household income of RM3,000 and below, and must operate their business within the state.
