KUSKOP Invests RM3 Billion Empowering Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Since 2023 – Sim

KUALA LUMPUR — The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (KUSKOP) has deployed nearly RM3 billion into targeted programmes to empower Bumiputera entrepreneurs between 2023 and 2025, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.

Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong stated that the impact of this massive expenditure is being rigorously tracked through tangible, real-world outcomes rather than just traditional financial returns.

“Regarding the government’s return on investment, the ministry measures the effectiveness of the empowerment programme and overall expenditure but from various outcome indicators or tangible results for participants,” Sim explained.

He noted that the success metrics include a minimum 20 per cent increase in sales among program participants and 150 companies successfully scaling up the size of their respective businesses.

Massive Funding Boost Across All Races

Sim was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa (PH-Sekijang) regarding KUSKOP’s allocations and their broader economic returns, such as job creation.

The Minister revealed that KUSKOP’s financial machinery has shifted into high gear, approving RM5 billion in financing during the first five months of this year alone. This funding has benefited nearly 180,000 entrepreneurs of various races and business categories nationwide.

Zooming in on specific initiatives from 2025 to May 2026, Sim stated that a special programme for Bumiputera entrepreneurs through agencies under KUSKOP has approved financing totalling RM1.407 billion to more than 53,000 entrepreneurs.

Young business owners received a targeted share of this support. “Of that total, a total of 11,469 Bumiputera youths have received benefits with an allocation of more than RM251 million,” Sim said. He added that the ministry is also implementing elements of halal industry development through various programmes under its agencies to help entrepreneurs obtain halal certification to expand the market.

SME Corp to Lead ‘Single Window’ MSME Coordination

Addressing a proposal by Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (PN-Masjid Tanah) for a unified national database to streamline aid for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Sim announced that a centralized mechanism is already taking shape. KUSKOP has officially appointed SME Corp Malaysia as the coordinating agency.

“SME Corp is being made a one-stop-centre to coordinate in terms of financing, grants, funds and other support systems,” Sim said. “SME Corp plays a role in facilitating the provision of information, channeling applicants and also PMKS who ask or seek resources to the appropriate agency.”

To further eliminate bureaucratic red tape, the Minister noted that the ministry is taking proactive steps to make resources accessible online. “KUSKOP also plays an initiative to develop a website or one-stop-centre portal where we list various types of support provided by more than 60 government agencies,” he concluded.

-NMT