RM906M Disbursed to 106,000 Women Entrepreneurs in Malaysia’s DEWI Programme

KUALA LUMPUR,APRIL — Malaysia has disbursed a total of RM906 million to support more than 106,100 women entrepreneurs nationwide under the Dana Ekonomi Usahawan Wanita (DEWI) initiative, in a major push to strengthen female participation in the country’s business ecosystem.

The programme, led by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, aims to empower women across various sectors by providing accessible financing and support to help them start, sustain, and expand their businesses.

According to Steven Sim Chee Keong, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to building a more inclusive economy, where women entrepreneurs play a central role in driving growth and innovation.

Large-Scale Funding to Boost Women Entrepreneurs

The DEWI programme is part of a broader financing framework with a total allocation of RM3 billion, targeting up to 300,000 women entrepreneurs across Malaysia.

The funds are distributed through several key financial institutions and agencies, ensuring that support reaches businesses at different levels—from micro-enterprises to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Authorities said the programme is designed to provide flexible financing options, enabling women entrepreneurs to access capital that suits their business needs and growth stage.

Breakdown of Disbursement

Among the participating agencies, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia received the largest share of the allocation, focusing primarily on micro-entrepreneurs and small-scale businesses.

The agency has already disbursed a significant portion of its funds, supporting thousands of women involved in home-based businesses, retail, and small-scale services.

Other institutions involved include TEKUN Nasional, Bank Rakyat, and SME Bank, each offering financing packages tailored to different categories of entrepreneurs.

Loan amounts vary widely, ranging from smaller financing options for startups to larger funding packages aimed at helping established businesses scale operations and expand into new markets.

Strong Uptake, But More Room for Growth

Despite the strong uptake, officials noted that approximately 70 percent of the total DEWI allocation remains available, indicating that many women entrepreneurs have yet to take advantage of the programme.

The government has encouraged more eligible applicants to come forward, emphasizing that the initiative is open to women from diverse backgrounds, including those in rural areas and informal sectors.

Efforts are also being made to increase awareness of the programme through outreach campaigns and collaboration with local business communities.

Economic Impact and Strategic Importance

The DEWI initiative is seen as a key component of Malaysia’s broader economic strategy, particularly in strengthening the small and medium enterprise sector.

Women entrepreneurs are considered a vital force in the economy, contributing to job creation, household income stability, and community development.

By expanding access to financing, the programme aims to:

• Increase women’s participation in entrepreneurship
• Support sustainable income generation
• Encourage innovation and business diversification

Economic analysts note that empowering women-led businesses can have a multiplier effect, boosting local economies and strengthening supply chains.

With a substantial portion of funds still available, the success of the DEWI programme will depend on continued participation and effective distribution of resources.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the initiative reaches as many women entrepreneurs as possible, particularly those who may face barriers in accessing traditional financing.

As Malaysia continues to promote inclusive economic growth, programmes like DEWI are expected to play a critical role in shaping a more resilient and diverse entrepreneurial landscape.