The State Legislative Assembly was told that a total of 200 women entrepreneurs have been identified to receive business equipment assistance worth RM5,000 each, this year to promote the empowerment and self-sufficiency of women. – File photo

A total of 200 women entrepreneurs have been identified to receive business equipment assistance worth RM5,000 each, this year to promote the empowerment and self-sufficiency of women.

Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said a survey conducted on 100 women entrepreneurs receiving the assistance concluding with the finding that their income have increased by 162 per cent, to RM1,428.

“The empowerment and self-sufficiency of women and the enhancement of their political, social, economic and health status is crucial for the achievement of sustainable development,” she said during her winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly meeting today.

Fatimah also said that since November 2014, more than 13,000 women participants had completed trainings at Wisma Wanita Training Centre in the fields of culinary, beauty, spa, massage and creative sewing.

“I would also like to thank the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for increasing the entrepreneur grant to promote women self-empowerment. From RM1 million last year to RM2 million next year.”

Fatimah said the grant is expected to benefit about 400 women entrepreneurs next year.

Besides that, she said 58 women had undergone marketing skills and financial management trainings under the programme of ‘Starting Your business Essentials Training’ as conducted by Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak in July.

For the programme of ‘Women of Wonders: Empowering Sarawak Women Non-Governmental Organisation’ started this year, Fatimah said 460 women participants from 140 non-governmental organisations from Kuching, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, Miri and Limbang had benefited.