THE Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry expects the delay in the disbursement of financial assistance to Sarawak small and medium enterprises hit hard by Covid-19 to be resolved in two months.

Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said there are SMEs that have not received the aid despite their applications having been approved, as the documentation for withdrawals has yet to be completed.

“There are about 20 approved applicants (in Sarawak) who have yet to get the assistance, a small number compared to those who have received it.

“The delay is due to the high number of applications submitted, but the issue is expected to be resolved within two months,” he told reporters in Kuching.

He was responding to complaints by several SMEs that have not gotten the aid under the micro credit scheme, which is part of the government’s RM10 billion Prihatin Plus stimulus package to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

The Santubong MP added that “alternatives will be explored” to revive people-oriented projects in his constituency that have been suspended due to the movement curbs enforced since March to halt the virus’ spread.

“Maybe in June, we can revive these projects… However, it depends on our success in the fight against Covid-19.” – Bernama, May 29, 2020.