Kota belud: Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) has successfully dispersed RM1.48 billion in financing to 317,260 entrepreneurs nationwide during the first half of this year. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick highlighted this initiative, noting that RM178.14 million was allocated to 30,288 entrepreneurs in Sabah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Kota Belud area alone saw AIM distributing RM15.57 million in financing to 1,935 entrepreneurs. Additionally, RM3.4 million was disbursed to 1,312 entrepreneurs in Kadamaian. Datuk Ewon expressed hope that this financing would continue to support informal entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the country. This statement was made following the officiation of the ‘AIM Mini Karnival Sahabat Usahawan.’

During the ceremony, a cheque of RM15.57 million was presented to the Kota Belud branch as part of the AIM financing. AIM managing director Datuk Mohamed Shamir Abdul Aziz was also present at the event. Datuk Ewon noted that Sabah recorded the highest number of Sahabat AIM, with a total of 52,680 people, including 3,570 from the Kota Belud branch.

He emphasized the significance of the mini carnival as a platform to strengthen ties among AIM Sahabat and to encourage small entrepreneurs to adopt digital payments. The carnival featured the MADANI Sales programme, organized by the Cooperative Commission of Malaysia (SKM), offering discounts of up to 20 percent on daily necessities, along with a competition for the best traditional costume and a traditional Hinava cooking contest.

Datuk Ewon expressed appreciation for the efforts of Sabahat AIM in revitalizing the microeconomy in the district, acknowledging AIM’s role in aiding rural women to overcome poverty and thrive as successful small entrepreneurs.