RM200 million grant to provide capital for small traders

A planned RM200 million grant could give small traders in Kuala Terengganu the extra capital they need to keep operating and grow their businesses.

The Sejahtera Madani Grant is intended for hawkers, small traders, night-market sellers and mothers running businesses from home. The funding could cover operating capital and raw materials, while giving recipients room to expand sales and raise household income.

Nurul Sakina Mohd. Azizi, a 35-year-old traditional-snack seller from Kampung Hiliran, said she had depended on her own money during six years in business and had never received financial assistance to expand. She hopes the grant will help her buy ingredients and provide additional capital for growth.

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I hope this grant can help me cover capital costs and buy ingredients to prepare my products. It can be used as additional capital to further expand the business.

Candy seller Nur Fatehah Ismail, 34, from Kampung Tok Jiring, said support was welcome as operating costs rise. She said traders could use the money to increase production and diversify the products they sell, easing the burden of having to finance daily operations themselves.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced six public initiatives for National Day, including RM1 billion in microfinancing. The government also introduced the RM200 million grant for the small-business groups.

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It can ease the burden on small traders who have to provide their own capital to run their businesses every day.