Agrobank Expands Comprehensive Support For Hawkers Through Agro Penjaja-i
PUTRAJAYA: Agrobank is intensifying efforts to empower hawkers and micro-entrepreneurs through the introduction of Agro Penjaja-i, a programme that offers financing facilities, training and digital support to strengthen small businesses nationwide.
Agrobank president and group chief executive officer Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said the initiative was created to help hawkers improve their economic resilience and business management capabilities amid increasingly challenging economic conditions.
According to him, Agrobank aims to ensure hawkers gain access not only to financial capital but also to management knowledge, marketing skills and modern technology adoption.
“Hawkers play an important role in the people’s economy and the nation’s food supply chain. That is why we want to help them grow in a more sustainable and structured manner,” he said during the launch ceremony recently.
The event was officiated by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu.
Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said estimates from local authorities and hawker associations show that there are currently around 700,000 hawkers and micro-entrepreneurs across the country.
He added that Agrobank hopes the programme will be widely utilised by the community to strengthen their businesses and improve operational capabilities.
Through Agro Penjaja-i, participants may obtain micro-financing facilities of up to RM100,000 as well as Cashline-i facilities worth up to RM5,000.
The programme also provides Ar-Rahnu financing facilities of up to RM300,000 with special profit rates and a dedicated fast-track application process to simplify approvals.
Beyond financial assistance, Agrobank also offers free entrepreneurship training and financial literacy programmes conducted both physically and online.
Participants will also receive follow-up mentoring and monitoring support over a three-month period to help improve financial management and day-to-day business operations.
As part of efforts to support digital transformation, the programme additionally provides digital payment facilities through affordable DuitNow QR SoundBox packages.
Agrobank also offers advisory services related to halal certification together with financing assistance to help entrepreneurs comply with syariah-based certification standards.
Besides savings hibah benefits, participants will also receive takaful protection with contributions starting from as low as RM10 annually.
To participate in the programme, hawkers must be registered with local authorities or recognised hawker associations.
Hawkers who have previously received assistance from agencies such as TEKUN Nasional are still eligible to apply, subject to qualification requirements and repayment capability.
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