The Ministry of Local Government Development (KPKT) is looking into establishing a unit to coordinate and empower the economy of entrepreneurs in every local authority (PBT) nationwide.

Its secretary-general, Datuk M Noor Azman Taib said the initiative is one of the strategies his ministry can adopt to assist the government’s mission in eliminating hardcore poverty in both urban and rural areas.

He said the creation of this unit could help the ministry or agencies provide funds and resources to empower entrepreneurs in every PBT).

He added that there are 155 PBTs in the country, so creating this unit is possible with cooperation from various parties.

“When a dedicated unit is established to empower entrepreneurs at PBT level, it can also coordinate with ministries or agencies willing to allocate funds, expertise, among others, aimed at helping to eradicate hardcore poverty in our country,” he told a press conference after opening the Urban Community Economic Empowerment Convention (PEKB) 2023 here today.

He said 16,294 entrepreneurs have been trained through PEKB since its inception in 2013, adding that they received a week-long entrepreneurship training designed to enhance their skills and increase their income.

Earlier, 500 entrepreneurs with 25 booths participated in the PEKB 2023 Convention organised by KPKT in collaboration with the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Communications and Digital, Johor State Secretary’s Office, Johor Bahru City Council and non-governmental organisations.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency