KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 17 — The MCA today launched a microcredit fund scheme for all Malaysians between the ages of 21 and 45 years, saying it would help people start up businesses in light of rising costs.

Coined the “1 MCA microcredit fund”, party president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek told reporters that applicants should received aid of up to RM50,000.

“It is open to all races, we do not care about race or religion,” he said.

Involvements with political parties or NGOs would earn an applicant extra points and a priority to be given funding.

“Even Perkasa members can apply... it will be a total package; successful applicants will be taught how to start a business, and also tax planning,” he said.

Dr Chua said forms were available on the MCA’s official website, and that once they were filled the application process would take about 21 days.