Microcredit bodies must reach out to small traders in need, urges PM
PETALING JAYA: Go to the ground to help small traders, hawkers and micro-entrepreneurs rather than wait for them to come forward for assistance, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said micro-financing facilities are crucial in helping small traders obtain capital support in the face of a global supply crisis adding pressure on operating costs.
“That is why I have personally asked these agencies to go to the ground to inform the public about the available facilities,” he said, adding that the move would help uplift the people’s standard of living while stimulating the local economy.
Anwar said he issued the directive to government-linked microcredit agencies after findings showed that existing financing facilities were not being fully used as many small-scale businesses were unaware of such assistance.
“We should not expect the people to come to our offices. Instead, we must go down and explain the benefits to them,” he said after visiting a pasar tani in Taman Melawati.
The Prime Minister said many small-scale businesses starting businesses only need loans of RM10,000 or RM20,000 and pointed to the almost 100% among women and 95% among men who took up loans from Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia.
“This means they do repay the loans and, therefore, access to financing should be easier for these lower-income groups,” he said.
Anwar said the approach of government agencies going to the ground to provide assistance is in line with reforms under the Madani Economy framework aimed at improving public service delivery.
“More importantly, it is aligned with the value of compassion, ensuring that assistance and facilities provided by the government truly reach those who genuinely need them, with no group left behind,” he said.
During his visit to the market, Anwar also witnessed the launch of a programme between Agrobank and the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority aimed at strengthening support for agro-entrepreneurs and small traders.
Last week, the government announced micro-financing facilities amounting to more than RM5bil for 2026, which are expected to benefit more than 400,000 micro-entrepreneurs.
