PUTRAJAYA, Aug 13 – Malaysia’s Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) is accelerating efforts to strengthen the country’s micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) and cooperative ecosystem in line with the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030 (DKN2030) and the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).
As of June 2025, the ministry disbursed RM3.59 billion ($767 million) in financing to 204,429 entrepreneurs and cooperatives, developed 28,687 new business entities, and guided 540 SMEs in expanding to international markets, Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said at KUSKOP’s monthly assembly on Wednesday.
The MSME sector recorded 5.8% growth in 2024, contributing RM652.4 billion to the national economy. Exports surged 31.3%, accounting for 14.3% of Malaysia’s total shipments, while employment in the sector rose to 8.1 million, representing 48.7% of the country’s workforce.
Key growth drivers included flagship programmes such as the Madani Rakyat initiative in Tawau, the 19th ASEAN Coordinating Committee for MSMEs meeting in Langkawi, the PERNAS International Franchise Festival (PIFF), ASEAN Franchise Convention (AFC), and the National Cooperative Day 2025 celebrations.
“As we enter the final quarter of 2025, our focus remains on enhancing service delivery efficiency, strengthening targeted initiatives, and ensuring that client engagement is made easier without compromising good governance. We must facilitate, not frustrate,” Ewon said.
The monthly assembly was also attended by Deputy Minister Dato’ Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, Secretary-General Dato’ Sri Khairul Dzaimee bin Daud, senior ministry officials, agency heads, and KUSKOP representatives nationwide. – By Mohd Khairy Abdullah @ DG Henry
