PUTRAJAYA: Allocation exceeding RM220mil under the Indian Entrepreneur Capital and Economic Stimulus Package (Mudra) this year marks an increase of RM60mil, driven by strong response to financing schemes by the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry, says Steven Sim.
The minister said the package was aimed at strengthening the ecosystem of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as well as cooperatives owned by the Indian community in the country.
"The allocation exceeding RM220mil this year represents an increase of RM60mil compared with approximately RM160mil channelled in 2025,” he said in a statement on Saturday (April 18).
He said Mudra would be implemented through five agencies under his ministry, namely Tekun Nasional, Bank Rakyat, SME Bank, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) and the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM).
He said Tekun Nasional would provide RM120mil through the Indian Community Entrepreneur Development Scheme (SPUMI), followed by SME Bank with RM50mil via the Vanigham Financing Scheme, while Bank Rakyat has allocated RM15mil for the Bank Rakyat Indian Entrepreneur Financing-i (BRIEF-i).
"AIM is providing RM27mil through the Indian Women Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme Fund (PENN), while SKM is allocating RM11mil, comprising RM1mil under Bakti Madani and RM10mil for the SKM Revolving Capital Fund (TMPSKM),” he said.
He said Mudra was not merely short-term financial assistance, but a strategic measure to enhance the competitiveness of Indian community MSMEs in ensuring business sustainability amid global energy uncertainties.
He said the ministry remained committed to building an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani.
He said as of March 31, the implementation of the initiative had shown very encouraging performance, with RM33.48mil approved, directly benefiting 1,805 Indian community entrepreneurs nationwide.- Bernama
