
RM3.59 billion aid for 204,000 MSMEs and cooperatives in H1 2025
Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick shared the figures during a gathering with ministry staff and agencies.
He added that 28,687 new entrepreneurs and cooperatives were established through targeted support programmes in the same period.
'Additionally, 540 small and medium enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs have been mentored to expand their businesses globally,' Ewon said.
Deputy Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan was also present at the event.
Ewon emphasised the need for the ministry to stay focused and improve service efficiency under the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030 (DKN2030).
The policy aims to position Malaysia as a leading entrepreneurial nation.
In 2024, MSMEs grew by 5.8 per cent, contributing RM652.4 billion to the national economy.
They also accounted for 14.3 per cent of Malaysia's total exports.
MSMEs employed 8.1 million workers, making up 48.7 per cent of the country's workforce.
Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), KUSKOP will prioritise scaling up MSMEs to enhance competitiveness in domestic and global markets.
The ministry will also strengthen the third sector by involving social enterprises, inclusive businesses, and cooperatives.
This initiative aims to drive inclusive and sustainable socio-economic growth. - Bernama
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Express
14 hours ago
- Daily Express
SME Bank aims to train 3,000 in business
Published on: Friday, August 15, 2025 Published on: Fri, Aug 15, 2025 By: Johan Aziz Text Size: Ewon presents a certificate to one of the programme participants. Also seen are Muslim (left) and Cedar CEO Amirul Imran Ahmat (second right). KENINGAU: The Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research (Cedar), a capacity-building and training arm of SME Bank, aims to train 3,000 entrepreneurs across various sectors under the Maju Usahawan Madani Programme. SME Bank Chairman Dato' Muslim Hussain said the training modules are designed based on real market needs and direct feedback from entrepreneurs. The programme focuses on enhancing soft skills, financial literacy, strategic management, innovation, and digitalisation. 'Since its establishment in 2013, Cedar has guided almost 90,000 entrepreneurs nationwide. This clearly shows that SME Bank is fulfilling its mandate to ensure Malaysian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (PMKS) remain relevant, competitive and prepared for future challenges,' he said at the programme's event held at Juta Hotel, here, Thursday. The event was officiated by Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick. According to Ewon, as of June 2025, more than 1,600 entrepreneurs, including around 240 from Sabah, have benefited from the Maju Usahawan Madani programme nationwide. He said the strong response reflects both the positive reception from the entrepreneurial community and the effectiveness of the training modules. Muslim added that SME Bank, as a key implementing agency under the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (Kuskop), not only provides capital but also strengthens entrepreneurial capacity, expands market access, and ensures entrepreneurs have a solid foundation to thrive. 'In the 2025 National Budget, SME Bank has bolstered the implementation of several strategic initiatives focusing on technology, tourism, the halal industry, environment, social and governance (ESG), as well as empowering vulnerable groups, including B40 entrepreneurs and asnaf,' he said. 'Our goal is to build an inclusive, sustainable and globally competitive economy with PMKS at its core. I'm confident that with continued support from Kuskop, SME Bank will lead the development agenda of the Malaysian PMKS ecosystem, ensuring that every entrepreneur, regardless of location, gets a fair chance to succeed,' he added. Muslim praised the role of Kuskop in driving PMKS growth nationwide, including in Sabah, through effective policies and impactful programmes. He noted that Sabah, a state rich in natural resources, culture and diversity, has significant entrepreneurial potential, with 98 per cent of registered businesses in the state classified as PMKS, contributing 5.5 per cent to Malaysia's GDP in 2023. 'This proves that Sabah's economy is powered by the resilience and fighting spirit of its entrepreneurs,' he said. He pointed out that Sabah's PMKS ecosystem spans strategic sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, the halal industry, creative industries and manufacturing. With the right support, innovation, and technology, these sectors can help elevate Sabah into a key economic player in the region. Muslim also highlighted the Civil Economy Framework, led by the government, as a core guide for national development. The framework promotes values of humanity, balance, and sustainability to ensure that economic progress benefits the people as well as the nation. He encouraged Sabah entrepreneurs to remain determined, dream big, and continue their efforts, with SME Bank standing beside them as 'a friend, advisor, and loyal supporter.' * 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


New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Government estimates 4pct of MSMEs to be involved in e-invoicing
KUALA LUMPUR: The government estimates that four per cent of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will be involved in the implementation of e-invoicing when mandatory compliance begins on July 1, 2025. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the projection is based on the current progress of e-invoicing, which, as of July 31, recorded 417 million e-invoices issued by 84,000 taxpayers, including MSMEs. In 2024, Malaysia recorded 1.08 million MSMEs, comprising 761,897 microenterprises (70.1 per cent), 306,764 small enterprises (28.2 per cent), and 17,725 medium enterprises (1.6 per cent). He was responding to a question from Datuk Ahmad Amzad Mohamed @ Hashim (PN–Kuala Terengganu) in the Dewan Rakyat today on the percentage of entrepreneurs expected to be involved in e-invoicing. Ewon said the government is aware of MSMEs' concerns about compliance costs, including the need to invest in accounting software, staff training, and the risk of penalties for non-compliance. In this regard, the annual sales value threshold for e-invoice exemption has been raised to RM500,000, while the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) will continue its briefing programmes to raise awareness and understanding among entrepreneurs. "IRB has also assured that the e-invoice system provided by the agency is free if used directly by taxpayers," he added.


The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Malaysia expects 4% of MSMEs to adopt e-invoicing by 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: The government projects that four per cent of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will participate in e-invoicing when it becomes mandatory next year. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick shared this estimate based on current e-invoicing adoption rates. As of July 31, 84,000 taxpayers, including MSMEs, had issued 417 million e-invoices nationwide. Malaysia currently has 1.08 million MSMEs, with microenterprises making up 70.1 per cent of the total. Ewon addressed concerns raised by Datuk Ahmad Amzad Mohamed @ Hashim in Parliament regarding MSME participation in the e-invoicing system. He acknowledged worries about compliance costs, such as software investments and staff training. To ease the burden, the government increased the annual sales exemption threshold to RM500,000. The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) will continue awareness programmes to help businesses adapt. Ewon confirmed that IRB's e-invoice system remains free for direct taxpayer use. - Bernama