Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) has announced the allocation of RM70 million in financing to nearly 2,000 Indian entrepreneurs across Malaysia through the 2026 Indian Entrepreneur Capital Package and Economic Stimulus (MUDRA).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Steven Sim highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader RM220 million fund recently unveiled to support Indian entrepreneurs in the country. He emphasized that this is the largest fund ever designated for the Indian community in KUSKOP's history. "To date, out of the RM220 million, we have approved RM70 million for nearly 2,000 Indian entrepreneurs nationwide," Sim stated. He encouraged more entrepreneurs to participate in the MUDRA programme, which is a component of the Power Up 10,000 initiative aimed at bolstering Malaysian businesses.
Minister Sim reiterated the MADANI Government's commitment to the empowerment of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), identifying them as critical drivers of the national economy. This includes efforts to make entrepreneurship more inclusive for the Indian community through targeted schemes and support. He made these remarks during a sales carnival and engagement session with entrepreneurs from the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI), an event organized with KUSKOP agencies to commemorate Mother's Day.
The MAICCI programme facilitated networking opportunities, advisory services, and financing options for MSMEs by bringing together approximately 30 local entrepreneurs and 10 booths from KUSKOP agencies. Sim, who also serves as the Bukit Mertajam member of parliament, praised MAICCI and the Sri Muniswarar Temple for organizing the carnival, which he described as a significant platform for enhancing business activities within the local community.
Sim also expressed KUSKOP's support for the series of Indian Entrepreneur Carnivals organized by MAICCI nationwide. He assured full cooperation from the ministry, including mobilizing its agencies to participate in the programme, providing information, guidance, and direct services to the Indian entrepreneurs involved.
He disclosed that he has informed MAICCI president Datuk Seri N. Gobalakrishnan of his willingness to join the roadshow at the state level, schedule permitting, as part of efforts to engage with Indian entrepreneurs across the country.
Regarding the redevelopment of the Bukit Mertajam Indian Association building, Sim announced plans to redevelop the historic structure, established in 1952, as a symbol of the Indian community in Bukit Mertajam and as a facility for the broader public. He acknowledged the Sri Muniswarar Temple in Perai for its contribution towards purchasing the long-abandoned property.