LAWAS – The new Entrepreneurs’ Home (Anjung Usahawan) in Kampung Pemukat, Kuala Lawas, was officially opened on Sunday, drawing more than 500 residents to the launch ceremony.
The opening was officiated by Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Dato Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also the Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development and Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment. He was accompanied by his wife, Dato Dayang Mollia.
In his address, Awang Tengah said the initiative would serve as a vital platform for strengthening the local business ecosystem.
He stressed that the Sarawak government places high priority on socioeconomic development, particularly through facilities, financial support and accessible loan schemes.
He highlighted the Sarawak Microfinance Programme, managed by Agrobank and the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), which offers interest-free and unsecured loans designed for the B40 income group. “We hope that Bumiputera entrepreneurs will take advantage of this opportunity,” he said.
Awang Tengah also encouraged graduates from universities and technical institutions to consider entrepreneurship as a career path, with government support available in the form of grants, training, and advisory services.
He further underlined the need for local products to meet proper safety and hygiene standards to access broader and international markets.
With Lawas’ strong potential in seafood exports, tourism, and small and medium-sized industries, he urged residents to upgrade their skills and change their mindset to seize emerging opportunities.
The event also featured a seven-gong ceremony, the symbolic handover of stall keys to nine entrepreneurs, and recognition of academic excellence with awards for six SPM 2024 students.
Additionally, the Kampung Permuka Neighbourhood Planning Committee received the state’s Best KRT Award, while the Kampung Permuka Neuman Mosque was presented with a three-star rating.
Among those present were Datuk Ubaidillah, Director of the Northern Region Development Authority (NRDA), Limbang Resident Yunus, Political Secretary to the Premier Awang Kujina, Lawas District Officer Radin Ator, as well as department heads, community leaders and representatives from various ethnic groups.