Johor bahru: The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) has channelled nearly RM40 million to entrepreneurs, companies, and cooperatives in Johor in conjunction with the 2026 Empowering Malaysian Businesses (HPM) Carnival and the state-level One District One Industry (SDSI) Mini-Showcase. KUSKOP said the assistance was presented by its Minister, Steven Sim Chee Keong, in the form of mock cheques for financing, grants, and financial aid.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the HPM Carnival is an initiative under the HPM agenda initiated by the minister to strengthen the culture of entrepreneurship, expand business networks, and increase access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and cooperatives to various forms of business development support. This carnival, held from Friday to Sunday, recorded RM240,000 in sales of entrepreneurs' products, attracted 11,563 visitors, and generated business matching opportunities worth up to RM6.394 million involving 19 entrepreneurs.
KUSKOP stated that the programme also provided a platform for exhibitions, promotion of local products, and entrepreneurship guidance sessions. In addition, as the carnival's strategic partner, TikTok Shop supported MSME digitalisation efforts through entrepreneur empowerment initiatives. The carnival also saw the presentation of the TikTok Shop Top 5 Millionaire Awards to entrepreneurs under TEKUN Nasional, which recorded sales exceeding RM1 million within one year.
In conjunction with the programme, KUSKOP organised the Johor KUSKOP Halal Success Programme on Saturday and Sunday in collaboration with Johor Halal Development Corporation (JHDC) and Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ). This programme provided exposure to the Johor Halal Development Plan 2030, Johor Halal Green Lane procedures, business financing guarantee opportunities by Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan (SJPP), digital marketing by Maxis, and business strategies through TikTok Shop.
Johor was the first location for the 2026 HPM Carnival, while the national-level 2026 HPM Carnival and SDSI Showcase will be held at Morten Walk in Melaka from June 19-21.