Phoong (second left) handing over machinery assistance to Shasyn Food Processing Sdn Bhd
KOTA KINABALU: Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe announced that the SME-UP 2024 programme is now open for applications until Oct 11, 2024.
He made the announcement following his visits to five local manufacturers in Tawau.
During the visit, he handed over two units of machinery assistance that was approved through the SME-UP 2023 Programme to two local manufacturers, Million Allplus Sdn Bhd and Shasyn Food Processing Sdn Bhd.
“We are focused on boosting our local manufacturing industry. We want to help
local manufacturers grow and witness them prosper,” he said.
Phoong said the SME-UP Programme aims to increase SME production capacity, focusing on upscaling SMEs to export and enlarging their market share.
“In 2024, there are two categories of assistance provided through the SME-UP
programme – machinery and equipment, as well as packaging and labeling (propel).
“These two categories of assistance are targeted at SMEs in the manufacturing
sector producing food, beverages, crafts, and non-food products,” he said.
Entrepreneurs interested in applying for this assistance must meet the criteria
set by the SME-UP assistance application committee:
– SMEs from the manufacturing sector
– Have a valid business license (minimum of 2 years)
– The applicant must be a Malaysian citizen originating from Sabah.
– The business must operate in Sabah.
– Submit performance indicators such as sales, production capacity, business
premises, number of employees, certification, and packaging quality
Phoong also stated that to ensure fairness and equality, entrepreneurs who have previously received assistance are not allowed to apply in the same
category but are allowed to apply in different categories of assistance.
“The selection process for the SME-UP programme application will be carried out in stages through the evaluation and decision committee, and each application will be processed as quickly as possible so that approved applicants do not wait long to receive SME-UP assistance,” he said.
Sabah SME entrepreneurs who wish to apply for SME-UP assistance should
visit the SME-UP portal at www.smedidr.com.my to apply for the assistance.
