RM8.8 Million Disbursed Through Indian Women’s Empowerment Program

KUALA LUMPUR: RM8.8 million has been disbursed to 1,229 Indian women through the Indian Women’s Empowerment Program, or PENN.

According to the Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), Datuk Ramanan Ramakrishnan, this amount was recorded from the program’s launch on April 13 to July 17.

“Through this program, RM50 million has been allocated by Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) to enable Indian women to obtain loans for starting or expanding their businesses.

“To date, the response has been very encouraging and is expected to continue benefiting 10,200 Indian women across the country.

“We anticipate that more Indian women will benefit from this program, thereby empowering them, especially in the field of micro or small-scale businesses.

“PENN was also launched as a step to advance, empower, and uplift Indian women in the country in line with Malaysia MADANI’s vision,” he said, as reported by TV3.

He made these remarks during the PENN Handing Over Ceremony at the Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia headquarters this morning.

Also present were the Chairman of AIM, who is also the Chairman of Media Prima Group, Datuk Seri Dr Syed Hussian Aljunid; AIM’s Managing Director, Shamir Aziz; Batu P Parliament Member P Prabakaran; and Kota Sentosa State Assemblyman Wilfred Yap.

He also encouraged young people to venture into entrepreneurship, given the various aids and opportunities provided by the government, especially through agencies under KUSKOP.

Meanwhile, he noted that, to date, Perak has recorded the highest PENN loan amount with RM3.3 million in financing, followed by Selangor/Kuala Lumpur with RM1.8 million, and Negeri Sembilan/Melaka with RM1.3 million.