KUCHING, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) is calling on the Sarawak government to lend full support to the MARA-Petronas Automotive Entrepreneur Development Programme (PUMP), ensuring its seamless implementation for the benefit of local communities.
MARA deputy director-general (Entrepreneurship) Datuk Zulfikri Osman said PUMP is a strategic initiative designed to empower Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the automotive service and maintenance sector, driving economic growth and creating opportunities at the grassroots level.
“I know the state government has been very supportive in many cases. However, there are times when local authorities need to offer their full cooperation and understand that this initiative is for the benefit of the people of Sarawak,” he said after officiating the Sarawak-level PUMP programme here today.
Zulfikri said the importance of collaboration with local authorities in expediting licensing and permit processes, which are essential for setting up more Petronas Auto Expert centres across the state.
“With mutual understanding and strong collaboration, we can streamline the process of establishing more Petronas Auto Expert centres in areas under local authority jurisdiction,” he said.
The PUMP programme, featuring Petronas Auto Expert and Petronas Auto Service segments, offers participants a holistic support system with training, business financing, mentorship and monitoring from MARA and Petronas.
At the event, 50 selected entrepreneurs attended a briefing and interview session for the Sarawak-level PUMP Borneo programme.
They will undergo structured, hands-on training that incorporates the Teaching Factory concept and focused business development support.
This marks the first time the PUMP programme is being introduced in the Borneo region, following its success in the peninsular since 2020. To date, 54 PUMP workshops have been established across several states.
As of December 2024, the programme has created 373 job opportunities and recorded RM90 million in cumulative sales.
-- BERNAMA
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