Perlis hopes Budget 2018 will focus on agricultural, entrepreneurial sectors

KANGAR: The Perlis government hopes Budget 2018, which will be tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak on Oct 27, will give proper emphasis on the agricultural and entrepreneurial sectors.
State Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Committee Chairman, Ahmad Bakri Ali said the two sectors were on the state government's agenda to produce more entrepreneurs especially among the youths, and provide more economic opportunities for the local community.
"The state government wants to develop these two sectors as Perlis is lacking in both allocations and land, whereas a large number of youths who have shown keen interest in entrepreneurship should be given the opportunity.
"Even though the state government has provided a lot of basic facilities to start a business, but (at the same time) we also want those who ventured into business to be viable. Hence, support from the government is very important," he said to Bernama in an exclusive interview here today.
Ahmad Bakri said young entrepreneurs below the age of 30 who are newcomers in entrepreneurship or small and medium enterprises sector were often faced with constraints in raising capital.
Towards this end, he said the state government, with support from various government departments and agencies, had endeavoured to attract as many university graduates as possible to become entrepreneurs.
This includes organising programmes in an integrated manner to enable those who were interested to get briefings, training and advice, besides being able to promote their products and identify new markets.
Among the efforts is the initiative by the Perlis Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) to help the young entrepreneurs to open food truck business apart from becoming agricultural entrepreneurs.
"I believe many degree holders are interested (in entrepreneurship). Hence, this is what they should do and not focus solely on salaried jobs," he said. — Bernama