LOANS MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR SMES IF SARAWAK HAS ITS OWN COMMERCIAL BANK -- ABANG JOHARI
KUCHING, April 30 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak government's recent proposal to set up its own commercial bank is aimed at enabling small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to access financing more easily to contribute to the state's economic growth.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said since the state’s economic sector is expected to improve, it is important for the government to facilitate SMEs’ involvement in order to develop that sector.
"The problem of the SMEs is their inability to get a loan even when the project is good. That is why I am working on Sarawak to have its own commercial bank this year or towards the end of the year," he said at an Aidilfitri celebration in Gedong about 90 km from here today.
Abang Johari said the matter is still in the discussion stage thus far and he would try to make it a reality.
"I am unable to announce (the details). I have to discuss it with the majority (of the relevant parties) first. I am certain that this (bank) will be a catalyst for small and medium industries," he added.
In a Hari Raya Aidilfitri visit in Sibu last Tuesday, Abang Johari reportedly said that a financial institution would be set up in Sarawak to help small and medium entrepreneurs venture into the state’s new economy.
According to him, further details about the institution will be available in about two months.
-- BERNAMA
