SIBU: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has announced a special allocation of RM25 million to help women entrepreneurs start and expand their businesses.
He said the money would be deposited in Affin Bank Berhad, from which the women entrepreneurs can apply for loans.
"Women entrepreneurs who are successful, have the skills to do business, and want to expand their business, but lack the capital, should approach the bank for loans," he said at the Sarawak Women's Day celebration here.
Present were Deputy Premier Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, state Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, Sarawak government secretary Datuk Amar Abu Bakar Marzuki and representatives from women non-governmental organisations.
Abang Johari said women entrepreneurs in the handicraft industry should consider applying for loans to expand their businesses.
"We can export our handicraft products overseas," he said, adding that he was confident that women entrepreneurs could succeed because they are focused on the tasks that they undertake.