PENAMPANG (Sabah, Malaysia), 30 Sept 2025 – The empowerment of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Sabah received a significant boost as 182 local entrepreneurs were awarded business development grants amounting to RM18.9 million under the Bumiputera Enterprise Enhancement Programme (BEEP) 2.0 and BEEP Plus. The grants were channelled through the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) via its implementing agency, SME Corp. Malaysia, underscoring the government’s strong commitment to enhancing competitiveness and sustainability of MSMEs in Sabah.
Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said that out of the total amount, 44 companies received RM7.42 million under BEEP 2.0, while 138 MSMEs were awarded RM11.48 million under BEEP Plus.
He explained that BEEP Plus was a new initiative introduced in 2023 under the Domestic Look East Policy – KUSKOP’s Perspective, designed to address the unique challenges faced by MSMEs in East Malaysia, particularly higher operational and business costs.
“BEEP Plus was formulated following engagement sessions with MSME entrepreneurs in Sabah, incorporating two additional components — business premises rental and procurement of raw materials. Since its introduction, 197 entrepreneurs in Sabah and Sarawak have directly benefited from this initiative,” he said during the launch of the Sabah MSME Hub Open Day and Networking Session with BEEP Recipients, held at Hotel D’Arc, Penampang.
Also present at the event were Chairman of SME Corp. Malaysia, Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok, Chief Executive Officer of SME Corp. Malaysia, Rizal Dato’ Nainy, as well as senior representatives from ministries and agencies. During the ceremony, Ewon also presented BEEP grants totalling RM2.07 million to 15 Sabah entrepreneurs.
Ewon highlighted that BEEP Plus had received overwhelming response, with applications exceeding the initial RM5 million allocation, prompting the ministry to submit a request for a larger allocation under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to extend benefits to more entrepreneurs in Sabah and Sarawak.
“I have high expectations that the 13MP will allow for expanded programmes tailored for Sabah and Sarawak, including BEEP Plus, the Desa Market Project, and several other initiatives we have introduced over the past two years. This enhanced focus is crucial to ensure that entrepreneurs in East Malaysia can remain competitive not only nationally, but also on the international stage,” he stressed.
He added that while Sabah and Sarawak are given special attention, KUSKOP remains committed to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem nationwide. As of 2024, the ministry has channelled more than RM9.5 billion in financing to 333,000 entrepreneurs and cooperatives across Malaysia, reflecting the government’s determination to position MSMEs as a key driver of the national economy.
The event also featured an interactive dialogue session with BEEP and BEEP Plus recipients, who shared various proposals and perspectives on advancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sabah.
