FEDERAL GOV'T COMMITS RM4 MLN TO SUPPORT SARAWAK WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS - NANCY

KUCHING, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Sarawakian women with initiatives covering the economy, leadership, and health, including a specific allocation of nearly RM4 million for women’s entrepreneurship. 

Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, announced the matter during her speech at the International Women’s Day 2026 Borneo Zone celebration today.

Highlighting the Wanita Dinamik programme, she explained that it helps women generate sustainable income and achieve financial autonomy.

bootstrap slideshow

“Since its launch in 2021, 21,274 women have been supported nationwide. In Sarawak alone, nearly 8,000 women have received grants of RM500 each to develop their small businesses. Almost RM4 million has been set aside for the state to create further entrepreneurial pathways,” she said.

Reflecting on the importance of the occasion, Nancy, who is also the Santubong member of parliament, described International Women’s Day as an important platform for celebrating women’s achievements and unlocking new opportunities.

She also highlighted the PERANTIS programme, which has selected 100 women nationwide, with 11 representatives from Sarawak.

The scheme provides each participant with a grant of RM50,000 to train fellow women in leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

Regarding health initiatives, she noted that the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) is targeting 32,000 women for cervical cancer screening via HPV DNA tests in 2026, with Kampung Santubong serving as Sarawak's pilot site for the programme.

-- BERNAMA