By Mohd Khairy Abdullah @ DG Henry
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 – The 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) will see micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the cooperative movement elevated as the new engine of Malaysia’s economy, with a sharp focus on digital scaling, local product development, and the empowerment of the third sector.
Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, in winding up the RMK-13 debate at the Dewan Negara today, underlined his ministry’s role as a key driver in nurturing resilient, innovative and globally competitive local entrepreneurs.
“MSME performance in 2024 speaks volumes – contributing RM652.4 billion to GDP, boosting exports by 31.3 percent, and providing 8.1 million jobs. These numbers prove that MSMEs are the true backbone of our economy,” he said.
Between January and July 2025, more than 237,000 entrepreneurs and cooperatives benefited from a total of RM6.32 billion in financing through agencies under KUSKOP, including TEKUN Nasional, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), Bank Rakyat, SME Bank, SME Corp, Pernas and the Malaysian Cooperative Commission.
Responding to Senators’ concerns on digitalisation, Ewon stressed that KUSKOP is aggressively driving initiatives that resonate with entrepreneurs – including TEKUN Nasional’s TikTok Shop Studio, Skim Pembiayaan Online TEKUN (SPOT), the free online marketing platform MyMall, and Bank Rakyat’s cashless market initiative Jajahan Rakyat.
“In Penampang, the pilot project TikTok Live Studio engaged 70 entrepreneurs, streamed over 200 hours of live content, attracted 1.7 million viewers, and generated sales worth RM40,000. This proves that digitalisation is no longer optional – it’s a necessity,” he said.
On the proposal to transform the One District One Industry (SDSI) programme into One Sub-District One Industry, Ewon said KUSKOP welcomes the idea but will study it strategically to ensure inclusivity and stronger impact.
So far, 22 SDSI products have been officially registered under RMK-12, with most entrepreneurs recording sales growth exceeding 20 percent. SDSI showcases in Kuala Lumpur and Terengganu this year have also connected local entrepreneurs with international markets.
Addressing calls to reduce reliance on imported goods, Ewon affirmed that RMK-13 provides greater opportunities for Malaysian-made products.
Key initiatives include SME Corp’s Business Accelerator Programme (BAP) and INSKEN’s product development coaching.
“Malaysia MADANI requires us to believe in the quality of local products. KUSKOP will ensure our entrepreneurs can compete on international shelves,” he said.
Ewon also assured that small entrepreneurs, particularly those in the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) corridor, will not be sidelined. TEKUN Nasional and AIM will offer microfinancing of up to RM100,000 for rural traders to tap business opportunities near ECRL stations, while INSKEN provides basic entrepreneurship courses.
The cooperative movement continues to demonstrate impressive strength – with 16,284 registered cooperatives, 7.2 million members, assets worth RM173 billion, and revenue of RM68 billion.
Under TransKoM 2021-2025 and the National Cooperative Policy 2030, KUSKOP is pushing reforms including liberalising cooperative legislation, strengthening strategic sectors such as agriculture and tourism, and rolling out the Cooperative Digitalisation Roadmap (DigiKOP) 2030.
Plans are also underway to establish the Malaysian Cooperative Entrepreneurship University (UKKM) to produce graduates skilled in cooperative management, finance and entrepreneurship.
Concluding his speech, Ewon emphasised that RMK-13 is not just an economic blueprint but also a commitment to inclusivity under the Malaysia MADANI vision.
“KUSKOP will remain the catalyst – ensuring MSMEs, cooperatives, social enterprises and inclusive businesses drive sustainable, fair and people-centered economic growth,” he said.
