KUSKOP allocates RM2mil to CEDAR for MADANI programme
TAWAU: The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) has allocated RM2 million to the Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research (CEDAR) to lead the Maju Usahawan MADANI programme this year.
CEDAR, a subsidiary of Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Bhd (SME Bank), received an additional RM3 million in funding from its parent company.
Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the programme offers numerous training modules, such as credit management strategies, e-invoicing, artificial intelligence (AI), technology adoption, business management, halal certification, as well as environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.
'The modules are designed to enhance entrepreneurs' competitiveness, innovation capacity and knowledge,' he told Bernama.
He added that CEDAR aims to train 3,000 entrepreneurs nationwide under the Maju Usahawan MADANI Programme this year, with 1,062 participants successfully guided so far.
'Out of the 1,062 entrepreneurs, 47 were from Sabah who participated in the programme held in conjunction with the MADANI Rakyat Programme (PMR) 2025 in Tawau,' he said.
Since its establishment in 2013, CEDAR has trained over 82,000 entrepreneurs and is now also involved in organising capacity-building programmes at the ASEAN level, he added.
Ewon expressed hope that entrepreneurs from among persons with disabilities (OKU) and military veterans would take advantage of available financing schemes such as those offered by TEKUN Nasional.
'We have these schemes in place, but the response has not met our targets despite the allocation provided. I believe there are many OKU entrepreneurs out there. Perhaps they're unaware of the schemes, or maybe they feel hesitant. This is something I need to look into,' he said.
He added that KUSKOP would continue participating in various initiatives, such as PMR, entrepreneurship expos and collaborative programmes with other ministries to ensure that information on available support reaches all segments of society.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
18 hours ago
- New Straits Times
CPO Futures likely to trade with slight downside bias next week
KUALA LUMPUR: The crude palm oil (CPO) futures contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives is expected to trade with a slight downside bias next week, amid rising output and stock levels, said a trader. Palm oil trader David Ng noted that the market is currently entering a seasonally higher production period, which typically begins in April and extends through September or October -- a period during which output typically increases, leading to a corresponding rise in stock levels. "We expect the commodity to trade between RM3,720 per tonne and RM3,950 per tonne," he told Bernama. Meanwhile, Interband Group of Companies senior palm oil trader Jim Teh expects the market to experience profit-taking, with prices likely to trade between RM3,700 per tonne and RM3,800 per tonne. "Stock-wise, the market will be closely watching the Malaysian Palm Oil Board data, which is scheduled for release on June 10," he said. In terms of demand, Teh noted that physical buying is expected from China, India, Pakistan, the Middle East, the European Union countries, and little buying from the United States. "Production-wise, the good weather conditions suggest that CPO output is likely to increase," he added. On a Friday-to-Friday basis, the spot-month June 2025 contract rose RM23 to RM3,911 per tonne, while July 2025 and August 2025 added RM39 each to RM3,930 per tonne and RM3,917 per tonne, respectively. September 2025 rose RM36 to RM3,906 per tonne, October 2025 increased RM29 to RM3,899 per tonne, and November 2025 went up RM25 to RM3,899 per tonne. The weekly trading volume advanced to 290,679 lots from 281,987 lots the previous week, while open interest edged down to 241,688 contracts from 241,994 contracts. The physical CPO price for June South gained RM30 to RM3,960 per tonne. -- BERNAMA
Focus Malaysia
a day ago
- Focus Malaysia
Madani slammed for EV perks to rich, burden on poor
THE Madani government's push for electric vehicles (EVs) was initially praised, as EVs are seen as better for the environment than fuel-powered cars. However, the high prices of EVs have made them unaffordable for most Malaysians — especially since almost 35% of formal workers earn less than RM2,000 a month. Under current policies, EVs are exempt from import and excise duties until the end of this year. This has triggered criticism on social media. Some users on X pointed out that while EV buyers — often the wealthy — get to enjoy tax-free benefits, regular Malaysians who buy fuel-run cars must still pay high taxes. One user said that someone buying a locally made car like the Proton Saga would still pay around RM15,000 in excise and sales taxes. Many Malaysians need a car just to go to work, especially in a car-dependent country like Malaysia. Meanwhile, luxury EVs like the Porsche Taycan — which costs RM675,000 — are completely tax-free. When a low-income M'sian buys a Proton Saga, he pays RM15,375 in excise & sales tax. But when a rich man buys an EV Porsche Taycan, he pays zero — saving over RM600,000. Tesla Model 3 saves RM225k. BYD Dolphin saves RM120k. Well done, Madani. Reward the rich, tax the poor. — khalid karim STEMKITA (@khalidkarim) June 6, 2025 To put things into perspective, that car costs nearly as much as the median house price in the Klang Valley, which is around RM745,000. Another user pointed out that even if Malaysians pay less income tax than in some countries, they still end up paying a lot of 'indirect' taxes on daily goods and services. Malaysia's income tax may be lower than many countries but we pay a lot more indirect taxes — 1negara (@1negara1) June 7, 2025 Many Malaysians online feel that the current EV policy seems to benefit the rich while leaving the poor behind. There's growing frustration over why Malaysia has set an RM100,000 minimum price for EVs — especially since brands like BYD offer much cheaper EVs in places like Thailand and China. This price gap has raised concerns about fairness and accessibility in Malaysia's EV market. — June 7, 2025 Main photo credit: Shutterstock
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Daily Express
Royal Sabah Turf Club cup races celebrate the festive spirit
Published on: Saturday, June 07, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 07, 2025 Text Size: Ewon (centre, right) poses with the winner of the Harvest Festival Mile Cup. Kota Kinabalu: Royal Sabah Turf Club (RSTC) successfully organised the Harvest Festival Mile Cup and Sprint Cup at the Tambalang Racecourse in Tuaran on June 1. The event was celebrated in a lively atmosphere, full of sportsmanship and excitement. Advertisement Among the distinguished guests were Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick and Datuk Wong Thien Fook. To mark the occasion, RSTC carried out a symbolic welcoming ceremony, featuring five horses ridden by Bajau riders, known as 'Oriental Cowboys'. This gesture was meant to honour the guests and showcase Sabah's rich cultural heritage. David's Sling secured victory in the 1,600-metre Harvest Festival Mile Cup, while Easylights was crowned champion of the 1,200-metre Sprint Cup. Ewon personally presented the trophies to the Mile Cup winners, adding a special touch to the event, while Wong presented prizes to the winners of the Sprint race. Apart from the races, there was also a Malaysia Madani product promotion, allowing spectators to enjoy shopping while watching the exhilarating competitions. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
