RURAL Development Minister Rina Mohd Harun has quashed rumours that Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) would stop giving aid to entrepreneurs in rural areas.

She said that on the contrary, Mara would continue implementing various programmes to help existing entrepreneurs and produce new ones in rural areas.

“If there are people claiming we have stopped extending aid to rural entrepreneurs, please stop these lies.

“I want to produce more millionaires and entrepreneurs. 

“Mara will undertake more programmes to help entrepreneurs. Mara as an institution to help the rural community will continue with its efforts, whether in education or entrepreneurship,” she told reporters after attending a community programme in Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan today.

She was commenting on allegations that Mara would stop giving aid to rural entrepreneurs.

The allegations arose after Mara chairman Dr Hasnita Hashim reportedly said that the body was “winding down” its businesses and investments, except for education.

Rina said the statement might have been misinterpreted by certain quarters and created confusion.

She said the ministry would hold a press conference soon to clarify the matter.

“We don’t want people to exploit the situation due to miscommunication,” she added. – Bernama, January 12, 2020.