KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional will continue to channel contributions and develop small medium enterprises in a bid to promote the Malaysian made products globally.
BN, in unveiling its manifesto for the 14th General Election, also pledged to stimulate the Halal economy and ensure that Malaysia becomes a global leader in the industry, with Bumiputeras as the main driver.
This, would be done via an allocation of RM1 billion through the Halal Development Fund.
The coalition will utilise digital transformation to enhance the contribution of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by providing grants and credit guarantee opportunities to reach new international markets.
The role and functions of the Secretariat for the Advancement of Malaysian Entreprenuers (Same) will also be strengthened to assist the Chinese SME businesses.
Tax incentives and special development funds would also be given to encourage leading brands and to assist the growth of small enterprises.
The party also seeks to address urban poverty by developing business centres for small enterprises and food trucks as well as encouraging urban culture.
Food truck businesses would be supported by creating more business areas and instituting programmes for vehicle modification.
The BN manifesto also plans to build more Urban Transformation Centres and Rural Transformation Centres nationwide to improve the government's efficiency.
Armed Forces retirees would also be given the Micro Financing Scheme for Veteran Entreprenuers (SPMV) in helping setting up a business.
The number of Perbadanan Perwira Niaga Malaysia (Pernama) retail outlets will also be increased to allow armed forces personnel to buy daily necessities at low prices.
A portal called Orang-E will be introduced to help Malaysians monitise their talents and services, and various other agencies such as PlatCOM would be established to improve the productivity of entreprenuers, investors and new start-up firms.
Realising the true potential of the creative industry as a new source of income, BN will also plans to expand platforms and allocate funds for industry practitioners.