Kuala lumpur: The RM230 million allocation announced for Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) in Budget 2026 is set to spur the growth of 32,857 new micro-entrepreneurs, said its managing director Datuk Mohamed Shamir Abdul Aziz. He stated that the funds would be strategically used to boost women's participation in micro-entrepreneurship across the nation, aligning with the MADANI Government's commitment to economically empower B40 women.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamed Shamir emphasized that the financing facilities ranging from RM10,000 to RM30,000 would be offered with a more flexible repayment period of up to three years. The allocation will be divided, with 60 percent directed towards rural women and 40 percent towards urban poor women. The microfinance institution aims to ensure that financial support reaches the intended recipients, aiding B40 families in generating income and improving their living conditions.
Mohamed Shamir also mentioned that the allocation would increase total funding for the next year to RM2.9 billion, up from RM2.7 billion this year. AIM currently supports 320,000 Sahabat Usahawan Aktif nationwide, who predominantly run small businesses to sustain household income, thereby meeting basic needs, supporting children's education, and enhancing family health over time.
Additionally, AIM is focusing on assisting female entrepreneurs, nearly 70 percent of whom remain in the informal sector, to transition into formal businesses. The organization also guides its Sahabat Usahawan in obtaining halal certification. The RM230 million allocation announcement has invigorated these small entrepreneurs, motivating them to expand their enterprises further. With an impressive loan repayment rate of 99.97 percent, the targeted group of women is considered a reliable and resilient economic asset.
Since its inception in 1987, AIM has provided over RM37.68 billion in microfinancing, successfully aiding over one million Malaysian women in escaping poverty. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during the 2026 Budget announcement, confirmed the RM230 million allocation for AIM to continue its financing efforts, raising the total funds to RM2.9 billion to support over 300,000 entrepreneurs.