KUALA LUMPUR (May 7): Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and classifieds marketplace Carousell have launched the #TetapBuka Carousell Business Grants initiative worth RM1 million to support Malaysian retailers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) affected by the continuing Movement Control Order (MCO).

In a statement, MDEC chief executive officer Surina Shukri said the Covid-19 pandemic is fast-tracking the digital transformation and bringing mass digital adoption in businesses, and it is MDEC’s ongoing mission to empower these Malaysian businesses to be digitally-powered businesses and succeed in the digital economy.

“Carousell’s support is timely and it is an encouraging initiative for Malaysian SMEs that need a helping hand during these challenging times,” she said.

Meanwhile, Carousell country head for Malaysia Tang Siew Wai said the firm recognises that the MCO is affecting the livelihood of many Malaysians, especially business owners who are faced with the burden of overheads and many other costs.

“Those in non-essential areas are unable to conduct business-as-usual, hence we hope the #TetapBuka Carousell Business Grants we are providing will help sustain local businesses of all sizes, by providing strategic support and resources to help them reach their customers, while reducing costs where possible,” he said.

The #TetapBuka Carousell Business Grants are open to all local retailers and SMEs registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), who are not presently advertising on Carousell.

The #TetapBuka Carousell Business Grants will provide the following benefits to local retailers and SMEs:

-      free access to CarouBiz lite package (worth RM500) with 5,000 coins that can be used to give listings more visibility

-      safe & secure digital payment via Carousell Protection (zero fee for Sellers)

-      opportunity for their business to be advertised in the main page of Carousell app & website.