More effective implementation of programmes for SMEs

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw repeats his call for more effective implementation of various programmes to development small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

On 19.4.2010, Dr Tan spoke in the House on SMEs as the International Trade and Industry Ministry asked for the approval of RM350 million on programmes for skill training and soft loans for SMEs as Supplementary Supply. The Deputy Minister YB Dato' Mukhriz replied, saying that the ministry did follow up the trainees.

SMEs play an important part in economy. Of the total number of registered companies in this country, 99.2% are SME companies. The 2005 Censor of Societies by the Statistics Department shows that there are 548,267 SMEs. But, they contribute only 31.4% to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) in 2008. We need up-to-date statistics.

In 2009, the Central Government allocated RM2.68 billion to main programmes of SMEs.
We must ensure that all allocations are used correctly.

There are always gaps such as rich and poor in human society. It is imperative that we try to narrow the gaps irrespective of race and region. This is applicable to SMEs. But, there must be effective implementation and follow-up.

Although Mukhriz says that his ministry has spent RM226.6 million on Cluster Scheme Human Resource Skill Training, mentioning 665 trainees with the percentages for those who go for further studies and those we get into the job market or starting on their own, we must have long-term follow-ups.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw