Kota Kinabalu: A total of RM7.5 million has been channelled to 1,809 micro-entrepreneurs, mainly hawkers and small traders operating in markets and Tamu, across Sabah under the Tamu Entrepreneur Financing Scheme (SPUT) since its launch in 2023.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick stated that the scheme reflects the commitment of The National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (TEKUN Nasional) to empower the people’s economy through micro-financing support, particularly for rural communities and small business owners in need of capital to grow. He made these remarks at the opening of the Tekun MADANI Mini Carnival at Tamu Desa Inobong.

Ewon highlighted that since its establishment in 1998, TEKUN Nasional has disbursed RM10.31 billion in financing to 598,969 entrepreneurs as of April this year. As of April 30, a total of RM1.18 billion has been channelled to 65,939 TEKUN entrepreneurs throughout Sabah.

He noted that for the Penampang parliamentary constituency, TEKUN Nasional has disbursed RM36 million to 1,730 entrepreneurs during the same period. Additionally, 1,663 financing approvals amounting to RM29.9 million have been recorded across the state in the same timeframe.

Ewon emphasized that the financing provided by TEKUN not only helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses but also indirectly creates job opportunities for surrounding communities.