PERNAS LAUNCHES ‘SOORIAN’ TO EMPOWER INDIAN FRANCHISE ENTREPRENEURS

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Perbadanan Nasional Bhd (Pernas) has launched the ‘SOORIAN’ programme aimed at empowering the Indian community’s participation in franchise entrepreneurship.

Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said 1,000 participants would benefit from the programme, which offers nearly RM54.5 million in value through training, revolving financing, loan facilities and capacity-building initiatives.

“Out of this number, 500 participants will be given a 100 per cent job guarantee.

“Participants will be trained according to their respective skills before being placed in suitable sectors with a minimum salary of between RM1,700 and RM2,800,” he said at a press conference after the programme's launch at Menara Pernas here today. 

He said applications for participation are open from today and can be made online via the official Pernas website or directly at Pernas offices.

According to Ramanan, the programme will run for two years from Jan 1, 2026 to Dec 31, 2027, focusing on franchise training, job placement and franchise development among Indian entrepreneurs.

He said key targets include 50 companies joining the halal awareness programme, with at least 10 obtaining halal certification and 20 having the potential to be absorbed into the Franchise Development Programme (FDP).

“In addition, 400 small entrepreneurs will receive microfinancing, while 100 franchisees or licence holders will enjoy franchise or licensing financing facilities.

“The programme is open to Malaysian Indians aged between 18 and 60, either as individuals or companies, provided their businesses are syariah-compliant and properly licensed or registered,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pernas chief executive officer Datuk Nur Azam M Taib said the corporation believes the franchise model is the best platform to strengthen the Indian community’s participation through the SOORIAN programme.

“As a Pernas corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, SOORIAN is designed to help the Indian community unlock their potential in franchise entrepreneurship through guidance, training and financing.

“Overall, SOORIAN is a manifestation of Pernas’ CSR commitment to community development through the franchise approach — a form of social investment that brings long-term benefits to the people and the national economy,” he said in his speech at the event.

-- BERNAMA