A total of RM32.5 million has been allocated under the SECURE@IskandarMalaysia initiative and to date, more than 2,000 people in Iskandar Malaysia have received a socio-economic boost as a result of this initiative.
According to Datuk Ir. Haji Hasni bin Mohammad, Menteri Besar of Johor and Co -Chairman of Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), “In the current challenging situation that is likely to last much longer, the people not only need immediate assistance but also long-term support and longevity that can increase their resilience and make them more competitive in stabilizing or improving their standard of living. I want the people of Johor to be better prepared to overcome this pandemic challenge and I am happy to see this is achieved through the SECURE@IskandarMalaysia programme, ” he said this after chairing the IRDA EXCO meeting on 10th May 2021.
SECURE@IskandarMalaysia or ‘‘Sustainable Socio-Economic Recovery Initiative in Iskandar Malaysia’ was launched in February this year in conjunction with the Iskandar Malaysia 15th Anniversary Campaign. This initiative is a combination of programmes aimed at sustaining the socio-economic recovery of communities and SMEs in Iskandar Malaysia.
“Currently, the SECURE@IskandarMalaysia initiative includes 7 programmes based on 3 formats, namely grants or funds, capacity building and, reskilling and upskilling. This holistic approach enables the people to get support not only in terms of finance but also in terms of technical and soft skills,”said Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, Chief Executive of IRDA.
The ‘Iskandar Malaysia Employment Grant’ with the concept of salary matching grant has retained or provided employment to 987 employees in 68 companies around the state of Johor.
Other programmes like IM Makmur, IMUFARM (Iskandar Malaysia Urban Farm), Youth2Biz and IMRENT programme aided different sectors from business start-up capitals, communities fresh crops, food truck-based business or shared space facilities and rental matching grants.
This SECURE@IskandarMalaysia initiative is funded by the Special Project Fund, PENJANA and also TERAJU.
Currently, applications for the IMRENT programme have been closed while applications and more information on other programmes can be accessed at the website www.iskandarmalaysia.com.my/secure.
