A total of RM30 million allocation was announced today to help funding women entrepreneurs, which would be channeled through Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA).

Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said, MARA would also spare another RM5 million to fund training and counselling to the group.

Ismail Sabri who is also UMNO Supreme Council member said this when delivering the adjournment speech representing UMNO Supreme Council at the Wanita UMNO General Meeting, here, Wednesday.

Earlier, Wanita UMNO chief Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil in her policy speech had requested MARA to assist women entrepreneurs in the country including in providing retail spaces for Pasarnita in the agency's premises.

In another development, Ismail Sabri said, 30 per cent of retail spaces in the new MARA premises which was under construction would be allocated to women entrepreneurs, adding that MARA would also continue its 'Quick Win' programme.

"These are all to assist the women entrepreneurs in the country and appreciate their roles in UMNO," he said.

Ismail Sabri also expressed his admiration for the strong commitment shown by Wanita UMNO and satisfaction towards the smooth run of their general meeting today, with all motions on politics, social and religion being raised seriously.

-- BERNAMA