Kuala lumpur: Entrepreneurs renting business premises under Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) recorded total sales of RM2.2 billion last year, announced Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang. The report highlighted the significant contributions of these entrepreneurs to the local economy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, for this year, as of June, the accumulated sales value for 6,557 business lots nationwide stood at RM1.01 billion, reflecting a 5.6 percent increase over the same period last year. Datuk Rubiah Wang shared this information during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat, emphasizing the economic impact of MARA premises on job creation and business growth. She noted that 14,943 job opportunities have been created through businesses operating in MARA premises nationwide.
Rubiah responded to a supplementary question from Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) regarding the contribution of MARA arcades toward the local economy and job creation for Bumiputera entrepreneurs up to June 2025. She mentioned that MARA arcades continue to receive positive responses from small entrepreneurs. However, the limited number of business spaces is a challenge, with many arcades requiring infrastructure upgrades. Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), the ministry, through MARA, has applied for a RM50 million allocation to upgrade these arcades, bazaars, and business premises to make them more suitable and comfortable for entrepreneurs and visitors.
In response to Bakri Jamaluddin (PN-Tangga Batu) about the rental of MARA premises to other government agencies, Rubiah stated that MARA is reviewing its business lot allocation policy. This includes proposals to limit the maximum number of lots per tenant and reassess the allocation of business spaces used by government agencies to ensure Bumiputera entrepreneurs remain a priority in local economic development.
Rubiah explained that while MARA's policy focuses on providing business premises for Bumiputera entrepreneur development, rental to capable companies and government agencies is permissible as long as it complies with existing guidelines. This approach does not negatively impact small entrepreneurs' participation.
She added that several MARA premises, including arcades and commercial buildings, have been rented to Federal and state government agencies, such as PTPTN, TEKUN, Melaka Islamic Religious Council, and Perbadanan Melaka Holdings Sdn. Bhd. These rentals generate income and ensure optimal use of spaces that are less in demand among traders or less strategic for business operations. Rentals involving government agencies are based on the agencies' roles in the local community.
Rubiah further elaborated on the rationale for longer-term rentals, stating that consistent rental returns to MARA, stable businesses, community benefits, and insufficient demand from new entrepreneurs in certain areas justify such arrangements.