Malaysia Strengthens Economic Support for Citizens, MSMEs Among Key Beneficiaries – Ewon Benedick
KOTA KINABALU, 24 July 2025 – Malaysia has reaffirmed its strong commitment to people-centric governance through the recent nationwide initiative Appreciation for the People of Malaysia, aimed at alleviating the cost of living and stimulating domestic economic growth. Among the key beneficiaries are the country’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) – the backbone of Malaysia’s grassroots economy.
The initiative, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on 23 July, has been widely welcomed across sectors. Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, described it as a progressive and balanced move that supports the people while maintaining fiscal prudence.
“This is more than just a cash handout or cost-of-living relief. It’s a strategic intervention to reactivate local economic activity, boost household purchasing power, and ease operational pressure on small entrepreneurs who are still recovering from post-pandemic disruptions,” he said in an official statement.
MSMEs contribute nearly 38% of Malaysia’s GDP and represent over 97% of business entities nationwide. In this context, Ewon emphasized that each component of the initiative — including the RM100 one-off cash aid for all adult Malaysians, the reduction of RON95 petrol prices to RM1.99 per litre, and the doubling of the MADANI Rahmah Sales allocation to RM600 million — will have a direct positive impact on MSME resilience and competitiveness.
“Many of our small entrepreneurs operate between rural and urban areas. Lower petrol costs not only ease transportation burdens but also help restore profit margins that have been under pressure in recent years,” he explained.
Referring to the additional public holiday declared for 15 September in conjunction with Malaysia Day celebrations, Ewon encouraged citizens to support domestic travel, particularly to rural tourism destinations developed by cooperatives and MSMEs.
“At KUSKOP, we are committed to driving programs like National Cooperative Day, the Rural Entrepreneurs Carnival, and the 1 District 1 Industry Showcase to promote local products directly to consumers. Our ‘Jejak Koperasi’ initiative is also expanding as a nationwide cooperative tourism platform,” he said.
Ewon asserted that the Appreciation for the People of Malaysia initiative reflects the political stability and effective governance of the Unity Government under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, positioning Malaysia on a path of inclusive and sustainable growth.
“While RM100 may seem small to some, for a struggling micro-entrepreneur, it can mean covering rental costs, restocking supplies, or simply managing daily operations. This shows a government that listens and responds to the people’s real needs,” he added.
He also noted that while many countries continue to struggle with conflict, food insecurity, and political instability, Malaysia enjoys peace, structured aid programs, and a steady hand at the helm.
“We must not take this stability for granted. It is this very leadership that ensures Malaysia remains a nation that supports its people and empowers its entrepreneurs,” said Ewon.
