KUALA LUMPUR: Rural and Regional Department Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said tenants of future Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) digital malls across the country will be given free six months rental.
He said it is only proper as the precedent had been set for traders who enjoyed six months free rental in the MARA IT Digital Mall, situated at the third and second floor of the MARA-owned Atrium Busana mall at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman here.
The rental waiver was given to help traders at the MARA IT Digital Mall, previously touted as "Low Yat 2", to sell digital goods and information technology (IT) gadgets at much cheaper prices.
The mall was set up at the end of last year by the Bumiputera empowerment agency following a violent brawl outside the popular Plaza Low Yat.
Ismail Sabri said the Anggerik Mall in Shah Alam, where another dedicated business space for Bumiputera entrepreneurs to sell IT products is being set up, will open for business by the end of June.
"The opening of Anggerik Mall had been delayed due to leakage problems caused by storms.
“It might open its doors before Hari Raya, depending on the traders.
“If the timing is suitable we will go ahead, but consumers are usually more focused on clothing rather than electronics as Hari Raya approaches,” he told reporters here today when announcing this year’s Rural Business Challenge (RBC).
The RBC is aimed at encouraging rural youth aged 18 to 40 to choose entrepreneurship as a career option by offering financial incentives and cash prizes.