Putrajaya: The government is intensifying its campaign to raise awareness among entrepreneurs about the availability of over RM5 billion in micro-financing facilities offered through various agencies, aiming to enable more eligible individuals to access these financial resources. Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Johan Mahmood Merican highlighted the need for improved awareness and announced that all relevant agencies will actively engage with small traders at the ground level.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tan Sri Johan stated that the government is providing this substantial micro-credit fund through agencies such as Agrobank, Bank Simpanan Nasional, Bank Rakyat, TEKUN Nasional, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, and Majlis Amanah Rakyat. During a press conference at the Putrajaya Pasar Tani Visit Programme, he emphasized the importance of direct engagement with traders to enhance awareness.

Feedback from traders during the visit indicated that most had successfully received financing from government agencies, with some benefiting on multiple occasions. Johan pointed out that the financial aid provided is having a significant impact on recipients, enhancing their business operations.

Agrobank president and chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin reported that the bank's engagement series at farmers' markets has received over 160 applications, amounting to RM6.4 million in micro-financing. He noted the positive response from hawkers and micro-entrepreneurs to accessible financial services that meet their business needs.

The ground-level programme enables Agrobank to address traders' specific needs and provide detailed information on available financial support. Beyond financing, traders receive access to financial advisory services, takaful protection, business digitalisation, and financial literacy to boost their resilience and competitiveness over time.

Regarding pricing at farmers' markets, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak stated that the public can monitor price movements through the Agro-food Supply and Marketing Monitoring and Intervention portal. This portal also serves as an early warning system to assist authorities in taking necessary actions, such as increasing supply to counter potential price hikes.