Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (KUSKOP) has allocated nearly RM3 billion from 2023 to 2025 to implement targeted programs aimed at empowering Bumiputera entrepreneurs. Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong highlighted that the effectiveness of this expenditure is gauged through several outcome indicators, such as a minimum 20 percent increase in sales among participants and the successful expansion of 150 companies.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Sim addressed these points while responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr. Zaliha Mustafa (PH-Sekijang) during a session in the Dewan Rakyat. The discussion centered on the allocation spent by KUSKOP for the Bumiputera empowerment program and the government's return on investment, particularly through job creation.
For the first five months of this year, KUSKOP approved financing worth RM5 billion, benefiting nearly 180,000 entrepreneurs across various races and business categories nationwide. From 2025 to May 2026, special programs under KUSKOP for Bumiputera entrepreneurs have approved financing amounting to RM1.407 billion, benefiting more than 53,000 Bumiputera entrepreneurs. Among these, 11,469 Bumiputera youths received allocations exceeding RM251 million.
The ministry is also advancing the halal industry by helping entrepreneurs obtain halal certification through its agencies. This initiative aims to expand market access for entrepreneurs. Additionally, in response to a proposal by Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (PN-Masjid Tanah), KUSKOP has appointed SME Corp Malaysia as the coordinating agency for a national database system or 'single window' mechanism. This system is intended to streamline assistance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Sim elaborated that SME Corp will function as a one-stop center for coordinating financing, grants, and other support systems. It will facilitate information provision and resource channeling for applicants and PMKS seeking assistance. Furthermore, KUSKOP plans to develop a comprehensive website or one-stop-center portal to list support available through more than 60 government agencies.