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Government grants yet to reach frustrated flood victims

[ 23-05-2007 ]
Government grants yet to reach frustrated flood victims
The Star, Sunday, May 20, 2007
Government grants yet to reach frustrated flood victims
SOUTH Johor Small Medium Industries Association president Teh Kee Sin said that as of April 2, SMIDEC had approved some RM5.4mil worth of grants to154 companies. 
But he lamented that although the government had speedily given out grants, the money had not yet been released to the flood victims. 
“How will they restart their businesses if the money has not come after all these months?” he questioned, adding that most of the businesses could reach only 60% to 80% of their pre-flood profits. 
Until March 27, some RM275mil worth of loans had been approved from the allocation of RM500mil. 
Teh said that a sizeable number of businesspeople, particularly in Kota Tinggi, said they were considering shifting out to other areas as their businesses were facing difficulties. 
He also revealed that banks often did not approve the entire amount requested by the businessmen, making it difficult for them to get their businesses back on track. 
Teh suggested that the government look into the plight of those who had been blacklisted by banks and see how they could be helped. 
“Of course, sometimes they have to bear the consequences of what they have done previously, but perhaps the government can come up with a special arrangement to help flood victims who can’t obtain loans from commercial banks,” he said. 
 
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