KUSKOP Channels Nearly RM7 Billion to Support Over 213,000 Malaysian Entrepreneurs

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 2026 — Malaysia’s Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives has channelled nearly RM7 billion through the Power Up 10K initiative, supporting more than 213,000 micro, small and medium enterprise entrepreneurs nationwide during the first six months of 2026.

Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the funds were distributed through various financing and business-support programmes administered under the initiative. Power Up 10K is targeting total financing of RM15 billion throughout 2026.

Sim said the achievement reflected the ministry’s continued commitment to ensuring that Malaysian MSMEs remain competitive and capable of responding to current global economic pressures.

In Negeri Sembilan alone, RM345 million was channelled to more than 6,600 local entrepreneurs under the programme. According to Sim, the figures showed that government financing and assistance were reaching businesses at the grassroots level.

He made the remarks after attending a gathering involving ministry personnel and agencies in Negeri Sembilan on July 21, 2026.

The ministry has also introduced a new direction requiring all agencies under its supervision to operate as an efficient frontline for entrepreneurs seeking financing, guidance and business-development assistance.

The approach focuses on expanding business resources, improving the delivery of public services and reducing compliance costs that could place additional pressure on entrepreneurs.

Sim acknowledged that the government cannot control every external expense faced by businesses, including fluctuations in global oil prices. However, he said regulatory and local government compliance costs should be reduced as much as possible to ease the burden on entrepreneurs.

He also urged ministry agencies at the state level to accelerate the distribution of available funds and adopt a more proactive approach instead of waiting for entrepreneurs to visit their offices.

Agencies were encouraged to increase roadshows, physical promotions and social media outreach so that entrepreneurs could better understand the available schemes, programmes and facilities, as well as where to apply for assistance.

The nearly RM7 billion distributed during the first half of the year represents close to half of the initiative’s RM15 billion annual target. Continued outreach and efficient fund distribution will be important in ensuring that more eligible MSMEs can access support during the remaining months of 2026.