By Nadiah Zamlus
SHAH ALAM, Dec 10 — The Federal government does not have a clear direction to strengthen the country's economy due to its ongoing political crisis, says Selangor executive councillor for entrepreneur development Rodziah Ismail.
She said this has caused Putrajaya to have failed to create a clear mechanism to help the small and medium industries (SMI) entrepreneurs who are the backbone of the country's economy.
"Most of the affected SMIs are the Malays and Bumiputeras.
"The current economic severity that hit the country needs to be immediately addressed accordingly. The continuous use of the Covid-19 pandemic impact as an excuse can no longer be used under the new norm,” she said in a statement.
The Selangor government has implemented various measures to help SMI entrepreneurs who were affected by the enforcement of the movement control order.
The efforts included special incentives for licensed hawkers amounting to RM40 million, premises rental exemption (RM12 million), deferment of Hijrah loan repayment (RM70 million) and Selangor Advance cash financing initiative (RM100 million).
The state government has also introduced the Selangor e-Supply Digital chain (Seldec) as a platform for online marketing and sales, especially for rural entrepreneurs.
