THE government, through the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development, continues to give grants to Bumiputera entrepreneurs, but the assistance will only go to those truly qualified.

Minister Mohd Redzuan Yusof said the main function of the ministry was not solely to give out grants. It was more towards assisting and opening opportunities to entrepreneurs to boost income.

“The main function of the ministry is to teach those who want to be an entrepreneur, if the person is really keen and has direction.

“Then we will help by giving a grant to expand his or her endeavours.

“As such, I hope people can change their thinking and no longer hope to be given free assistance,” he told reporters after visiting the Pekan Baru Complex, Alor Star, today.

Previously, Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) vice president Hamidah Osman suggested that the Pakatan Harapan government close down the ministry following its decision to no longer give free grants to Bumiputera entrepreneurs.

Hamidah was reported to have said that it was of no more use for the ministry to exist if it could not help those needing assistance.

Meanwhile, Mohd Redzuan said that the government would help by giving grants involving research, which could be commercialised and help develop a business.

“If the entrepreneur can give a commitment to the government and himself, we will help by giving a grant, but free money is unavailable.

“If you look at the record, there are people who only spent 50% of the money they received for business, while spending the remaining 50% on other things.

“So, that is already abuse the government wants to reduce.

“During the previous government, (if) the entrepreneur knows the right people, he or she has a good chance of getting free money, but the current government and ministry is more focused,” he said.

Last Friday, Mohd Redzuan was reported to have said that Putrajaya no longer give free grants because it did not want entrepreneurs to be too dependent on the assistance. – Bernama, August 25, 2019.