Minister Steven Sim highlights financing boosts and ecosystem improvements for MSMEs as key achievements in his first 100 days at KUSKOP.

KUALA LUMPUR: Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has declared “Hebatkan Perniagaan Malaysia” as the central theme of his first 100 days leading the ministry.

He stated that the period was marked by significant achievements in boosting financing funds and empowering micro, small and medium enterprises.

Sim expressed his gratitude to ministry staff in a Facebook post, emphasising his singular focus on powering up Malaysian businesses irrespective of race or religion.

The minister shared an infographic detailing key financial initiatives launched during this period.

TEKUN Nasional’s Bumiputera financing allocation was increased from RM300 million to RM500 million.

A new RM100 million scheme through SME Bank and Bank Rakyat was introduced to assist Chinese MSMEs.

Funding for Indian entrepreneurs under a specific development scheme was raised from RM30 million to RM50 million.

Additional targeted financing programmes were also rolled out for various communities.

The RM50 million BARAKAT scheme was introduced for Bumiputera MSMEs during Ramadan.

A RM30 million BERKAT programme under SME Corp was provided for Chinese micro-entrepreneurs during the New Year.

The RM3 billion DEWI fund was established to benefit an estimated 300,000 women entrepreneurs nationwide.

Commercial achievements included a RM2 billion agreement signed at the Makkah Halal Forum 2026.

The ministry also recorded RM90 million in sales through participation in the Japan Foodex exhibition.

Cooperative development efforts were intensified with a historic RM254 million allocation.

The ministry implemented a Business School Malaysian Skill Certificate to transform school cooperatives into business education platforms for students.

 The Sun Malaysia