THE Penang government, through the Penang Trade, Entrepreneurial Development and Rural Development Committee, will soon roll out the Anugerah Kedai Makan Harga Patut (Affordable Dining Award) programme.
State Trade, Entrepreneurial Development and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol announced the initiative during his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly in Light Street today.
“This programme recognises food establishments in Penang that offer affordable meals without compromising on quality and cleanliness.
“It will begin on Dec 2 in the south Seberang Perai district and will expand to other districts next year,” Rashidi (PH-Sungai Acheh) said during his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly in Light Street today.
Rashidi said from January to November this year, his office has successfully organised 230 entrepreneurship programmes in collaboration with various agencies, such as Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) Penang branch, Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda), Penang Development Corporation (PDC), Penang Halal International (PHI), and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade).
“These programmes benefited approximately 1,162 entrepreneurs across the state,” he said.
He added that the state government is also currently working on providing retail spaces for local entrepreneurs at Penang International Airport (LTAPP).
“Discussions on leasing arrangements are underway, with sales of selected Penang-made products expected to commence next year. This will offer local entrepreneurs a unique platform to promote their goods,” said Rashidi.
To further promote Penang across the country, Rashidi shared that the state government will host the ‘Program Jelajah Pulau Pinang’ roadshow series in collaboration with the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) and Mara Penang branch.
“Six roadshows will showcase Penang’s iconic local foods, cultural performances, and Agromadani Fama sales activities.
“The first event will take place in Melaka from Dec 27 to 29 this year,” he announced.
Rashidi also announced that on Nov 30, the state government will organise the Penang Entrepreneur Roadshow in every district in the state, starting with the south Seberang Perai district.
Organised in collaboration with the Farmers’ Organisation Authority (LPP), he explained that this programme aims to educate entrepreneurs on government and private sector opportunities in terms of grant and business loans, enhancing productivity and encouraging digital transformation.
Rashidi also provided an update on the Skim Pinjaman Harapan (SPH) initiative, a collaboration between the state government and PDC to support micro-entrepreneurs.
“As of October this year, 4,293 entrepreneurs in Penang have benefited from SPH, receiving a total of RM30.77 million in loans.
“The repayment rate also stands at an impressive 91%, with a remaining fund balance of RM4.89 million.
“Hence, this shows that this initiative underscores Penang’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs, fostering economic growth, and ensuring inclusive development across the state,” he concluded.
Story by Riadz Akmal