The 'Youth Enterprise" programme was held on 20.6.2009 in Forestry Department Training Centre [Pusat Latihan Perhutanan], Jalan Lintang, Sungai Siput by Sungai Siput District Youth and Sports Department. 112 youth participated. 12 'orang asli' youth, 40 Indian youth and 2 Chinese youth. The remainder are Malay youth.
Effort has been made to promote this programme to the Chinese youth via local Chinese dailies, word of mouth and banners in strategic locations. I was told that 12 Chinese youth registered but only 2 turns up.
The purpose of this program is to promote the Skim Tabung Ekonomi Belia (STEB) - Youth Economic Fund Scheme. This scheme is created specially for the youth to assists them become entrepreneur. 30% cash and 70% for purchasing related stock and items. Successful applicants has to repay the amount given plus certain percentage as administration fees on an agreed period.
Officers from Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia, Ipoh [Malaysia Company Commission], Bank Rakyat and AgroBank were invited. Banks are invited because they are the appointed agents to managed the fund on behalf of Youth and Sports Ministry.
I heard the participants groaning as the terms and conditions by the banks are beyond their effort. This scheme suppose to help them, not to burden them!
Nevertheless, the previous successful applicants should be blamed as they do not repaid the amount given; therefore, the Ministry of Youth and Sports appointed the banks to managed the fund. Bank has it procedures to ensure that the fund is available and manageable.
