KUALA LUMPUR: Small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) are urged to seize opportunities arising from the government's initiatives to do business online.
SME Corp Malaysia chief executive officer Noor Azmi Mat Said said e-commerce now played a big role in life as more consumers were turning to the Internet to meet their needs.
"For example, groceries, pets, games and household appliances are usually procured online now, as people are looking to fulfil their daily necessities and entertainment for the family.
"SMEs are advised to look at and review their business models to suit the current state of affairs, where safety and health are consumers' concerns when it comes to sales and purchasing."
He said the shift in online shopping habits was the new normal.
"With increasing e-commerce users, entrepreneurs need to drive their business digitally to stay relevant."
Noor Azmi said the RM70 million support provided through Shop Malaysia Online and Kempen Beli Barangan Buatan Malaysia was among the government's efforts to encourage online spending and the use of digital applications in business.
He said the MyASSIST MSME platform under Penjana was underway, with the government allocating RM400 million for the online initiative.
Besides that, to assist SMEs' cash flow, SME Bank, through the SME Go scheme, will provide financing to 16,000 qualified G2 and G3 grade contractors, who would be awarded projects under the Penjana and Prihatin stimulus packages from next month.
Overall, Noor Azmi said the government's RM100 billion allocation to SMEs through Prihatin and Penjana was to address issues faced by companies during the economic recovery phase.
"The announcement of Penjana will ensure that the transition from the reopening of economic activity to the recovery phase is a comprehensive one, which comprises initiatives that will drive the economy.
"The government's injection of initiatives under Penjana is expected to assist SMEs in addressing cash flow issues to ensure business continuity as the country addresses Covid-19 repercussions."
He added that the packages would empower SMEs to revive their income and stay competitive.
Companies can get more information by calling SME Corp at 1-300-30-6000 from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
They can also visit www.smecorp.gov.my or www.smeinfo.com.my or join SME Corp's official Telegram channel at t.me/smecorpmalaysia.