Johor Bahru: Flood-affected entrepreneurs in Johor can reach out to 12 agencies to seek assistance and initiatives to ease their burden. State Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said his office has mobilised a Special Assistance Mission for the affected entrepreneurs through Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn Bhd.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Hairi, who is also Johor Entrepreneur Development Council (MPUNJ) chairman, said the aid and initiatives include financing assistance, moratorium facility and replacement of business equipment damaged by the flood. The assistance provided to flood-affected entrepreneurs under MPUNJ includes support from Bank Negara Malaysia, Bank Rakyat, Johor Agriculture Department, MARA, Bank Muamalat, the Companies Commission of Malaysia and SME Bank.

Other agencies involved are Tekun Nasional, Perbadanan Nasional Bhd, the Cooperative Commission of Malaysia (SKM) Johor, Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd and the Johor branch of Kraftangan Malaysia. Mohd Hairi emphasised that the state government has never neglected or overlooked traders and entrepreneurs affected by disasters. Instead, it strives to assist and ensure the well-being of all Bangsa Johor.

Earlier, Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced RM500 in aid for every affected trader in the Johor Bahru City Council and Kota Tinggi District Council areas, benefitting 441 traders. The state government, through nine local authorities, has also granted exemptions for Aidilfitri bazaar traders (waiving all fees except rental) and Ramadan bazaar traders (waiving all local council charges), benefitting 9,839 traders in 180 locations.