By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The SME Carnival for the Tenom zone recorded more than RM259,000 in cash sales, achieving its objective of empowering local entrepreneurs and stimulating the local economy.
Deputy Chief Minister III and Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the carnival proved that the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector continues to play an important role in driving economic growth, particularly in rural areas.
“The State Government will remain committed to strengthening MSME development through various entrepreneurship initiatives, the provision of marketing platforms, as well as continuous support for local entrepreneurs so that they can become more competitive and expand the market for their respective products.
“Carnivals such as this not only provide sales opportunities for entrepreneurs, but also serve as a platform for business networking, product promotion and community participation in local economic activities,” he said in a statement.
Ewon said the three-day carnival, held from May 1 to 3, attracted more than 10,000 visitors.
He said a total of 99 sales booths participated in the carnival, involving 36 small and medium industry (SMI) entrepreneurs as well as 63 hawkers and small traders offering a variety of products, including food, beverages, handicrafts, downstream products and community-based products.
“Out of the total sales amounting to RM259,560.77 recorded during the carnival, DIDR entrepreneurs contributed RM60,020.77, while hawkers and small traders recorded sales totalling RM199,540.00,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to all strategic partners involved in making the carnival a success, including the Persatuan Etnik Murut Timugon, the Gabungan Persatuan-Persatuan Penjaja dan Peniaga Kecil Negeri Sabah (G3PNS), as well as State and Federal Government agencies.
Ewon said the State Government will remain committed to strengthening MSME development through various entrepreneurship initiatives.
