KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Friday announced the 'Teman 1Azam' grant of RM4.7 million to be given to 946 women entrepreneurs in the country.

He said those who were selected comprised participants of the pioneer programme of 'Teman 1Azam', organised by the Women Development Department, and would receive RM5,000 each as additional capital for their business ventures.

"Those receiving the grant are asked not to abuse it by buying other things. This (grant) is a reflection of the government's support for the people to assist women entrepreneurs," he said when opening the Women Entrepreneurs Symposium 2010, here Friday.

He said women entrepreneurs in this country were 'special' because they worked diligently to expand their business and were always trustworthy in carrying out their business.

"We see so many women entrepreneurs in this country. We should at least draw up an effective approach to increase their income and raise the number of women who are keen on business," he said.

Although they were keen on business, Muhyiddin advised the women entrepreneurs to equip themselves with knowledge and skill by attending courses that were relevant for the progress of their respective business.

"Of utmost importance is not only the question of interest, but also skill.

One must have knowledge. We may not become successful entrepreneurs if we have no knowledge," he said.

In addition, he said they must also use the technology and information available including the internet to advertise their products and services so that their business would progress.

At the same time, he asked the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development to set up a monitoring body to look at the progress achieved by women entrepreneurs and identify the problems that cropped up.

-- BERNAMA