PENAMPANG, May 28 — Perbadanan Nasional Bhd (Pernas), an agency under the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (MECD) will continue to implement initiatives to drive the progress and success of franchise entrepreneurs in the country.

MECD Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said this is in line with Bitara Madani’s focus on entrepreneurship development.

He said the agency’s commitment can also be seen through the allocation of RM50 million specifically for the Franchise and Pre-Franchise Financing Scheme this year for franchise business development.

"Pernas’ role in the development of franchise entrepreneurs supports the ministry’s mission to provide a platform for support services, assistance and entrepreneurial capacity development.

"Pernas not only produced many franchise entrepreneurs but also helped in the development of local franchise brands both domestically and internationally,” he said in a speech during the launch of the Mok Corner franchise rebranding ceremony here, today.

Ewon noted that Pernas also provides a conducive entrepreneurial ecosystem by offering products and services that match with local entrepreneurs while meeting the needs of franchisors, franchisees and pre-franchisors which include financing schemes and property management.

Since 2004, a total of RM428 million has been channelled to 2,162 entrepreneurs for the development of the national franchise industry.

In Sabah, the agency has approved RM14.67 million in financing to 66 companies since 2009 to help the state’s franchise entrepreneurs grow further.

Aside from Mok Corner, a local ice-blended drinks franchise which now has 39 outlets, other local brands that have also boosted Sabah’s franchise industry include Kak Nong, Al-Hadanah, Sinar Suria, Nuvis, Fook Yuen and Daily Electronic Centre.

Meanwhile, in her speech, Pernas chairman Datuk Hazimah Zainuddin said the agency will remain steadfast in helping and supporting companies and entrepreneurs’ efforts to develop their businesses and brands. — Bernama