LAWAS: The inauguration of the Kampung Pemukat Entrepreneur Pavilion in Kuala Lawas on Sunday was held with great enthusiasm in the presence of more than 500 local residents.

The ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Premier of Sarawak who is also the Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development and Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, accompanied by his wife, Dato Dayang Morliah Awang Daud.

In his speech, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah stressed that the establishment of this Entrepreneur Pavilion is important to strengthen the local community business ecosystem.

He said that the Sarawak government pays special attention to the socio-economic development of the community including the provision of facilities, capital assistance and soft loan schemes.

“The state government through Agro Bank and SEDC has implemented Sarawak Micro Credit, which is an interest-free loan without guarantor, especially for the B40 group. We want bumiputera entrepreneurs to make the most of this opportunity,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of university graduates and technical school leavers to venture into entrepreneurship with the help of grants and skills development support.

He said that local products need to be processed according to safety and hygiene standards to penetrate wider markets, including international ones.

“Lawas has great potential in terms of seafood exports, tourism and small industries. We must change our attitudes, improve our skills and work hard.

"If harnessed, Lawas can become a superior destination,” he added.

The opening ceremony also witnessed the symbolic beating of the gong seven times, the handover of nine stall keys to entrepreneurs, the presentation of consolation prizes to six excellent SPM 2024 students, as well as an award to the Kampung Pemukat KRT as the most excellent KRT at the state level.

The Kampung Pemukat Nor Iman Mosque also received three-star recognition.

Also present were NRDA Director, Datu Ubaidillah Abdul Latif, Limbang Division Resident, Unus Tambi, Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, Awgku Jinal Abedin Pengiran Dato Jawa, Lawas District Officer, Ladin Atok as well as heads of departments and communities. - UKASnews