BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry has approved nearly RM2bil in financing within the first two months of this year, benefiting 88,150 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide.
Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong (pic) said the achievement reflects the government’s strong commitment to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting business growth.
He added that the ministry is also ramping up efforts through the PowerUp10k campaign, aimed at enhancing the capacity and competitiveness of 10,000 Malaysian companies.
"We will not only ensure business continuity but also help businesses scale up and strengthen their capabilities to face future challenges,” he said after attending the Balik Rumah One Hope Charity programme here on Sunday (March 29).
Also present were Penang youth, sports and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, One Hope Charity Welfare founder and chairman Datuk Chua Sui Hau, as well as representatives of government and private hospitals in Penang.
Beyond financing, Sim said, the ministry is focusing on expanding market access for MSMEs, both domestically and internationally, to ensure sustainable growth.
Touching on current economic pressures such as rising diesel prices, Sim noted that Malaysia, as an open economy, is inevitably affected by global uncertainties and geopolitical developments.
He acknowledged that some government decisions may be difficult or unpopular, but stressed that the priority remains protecting the rakyat and maintaining economic stability.
Citing the Budi95 fuel subsidy programme as an example, he said the initiative has helped ensure supply stability while allowing the majority of Malaysians to continue enjoying petrol at affordable prices.
Earlier, the Balik Rumah One Hope Charity programme brought together over 200 beneficiary families, with the organisation having distributed more than RM100mil in medical assistance over the past five years. – Bernama
