PENANG YOUTH CAN GET UP TO RM30,000 UNDER GAM TO START AGRO BUSINESSES

GEORGE TOWN, April 20  (Bernama) -- Young individuals in Penang involved in agro-based industries and agri-food sectors are encouraged to apply for the Young Agropreneur Grant (GAM), which offers up to RM30,000 in non-repayable assistance to start or grow their businesses.

State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said the programme, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) aims to boost youth participation in agro-entrepreneurship by improving productivity, product quality and technology adoption.

“From 2019 to 2024, 27 applicants in Penang - 12 in agro-based products and 15 in crop projects, have received the grant and remain active in their ventures.

“This year, eight applications have been submitted, with four currently completing documentation. We hope more youths will take advantage of this opportunity,” he told Bernama.

The grant is open to Malaysians aged 18 to 45 interested in crop production, livestock, fisheries, food processing, and agro-based industries.

For start-ups, assistance is provided in the form of goods or equipment worth up to RM30,000 for agricultural projects and up to RM20,000 for food-based ventures. Scale-up support of up to RM50,000 is available for business expansion through technology upgrades.

Fahmi also shared the success of two GAM recipients in Penang. Mohamad Amirul Akmal Abdullah, who received the grant in 2017, cultivates various crops including pumpkin, ridge gourd, long beans, and bitter gourd at the Permanent Food Production Park (TKPM) in Ara Kuda. He was named Penang Bumiputera Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 and Agri-Food Smallholder Icon.

 Another recipient, Muhammad Amin Yusoff Muhammad Bukhari, received the grant in 2020 and now runs Baulu Bumbung Lima, producing traditional treats such as bahulu, peneram, putu kacang, dodol, and kuih loyang.

“There’s no limit to the number of applicants. We encourage more youth to apply and benefit from the support provided,” Fahmi said.

Applications can be submitted online via the Ministry’s official portal at egam.kpkm.gov.my.

-- BERNAMA