Kota kinabalu: The government, through the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (TEKUN Nasional), has disbursed a total of RM1.25 billion in financing to 66,992 entrepreneurs in Sabah from 1998 until last month, underscoring its continued commitment to empowering micro-entrepreneurs in the state. Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrisnan highlighted this during a meeting with TEKUN entrepreneurs.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the amount is part of the RM10.99 billion in financing extended to 861,666 entrepreneurs nationwide across various sectors over the same period. Between January and October 2025, RM137 million was channelled to 5,567 entrepreneurs in Sabah across various sectors, reflecting the government's recognition of the SME sector and micro-industries as key pillars of the nation's economic development, particularly in resource-rich Sabah.
Ramanan noted that many TEKUN entrepreneurs in Sabah are engaged in small-scale businesses, agriculture, handicrafts, and the food industry, which are essential to the state's economy. These enterprises not only generate income for their families but also create job opportunities and help stimulate the local economy.
In response to Sabah's unique socio-economic characteristics, Ramanan emphasized that his ministry acknowledges the need for a tailored approach to entrepreneur development in the state. TEKUN Nasional has introduced and strengthened targeted financing schemes, including the Tamu Entrepreneur Financing Scheme (SPUT), specifically designed for hawkers and petty traders in local markets.
Ramanan shared that since the Tamu scheme's introduction in 2023, RM9.8 million has been allocated to 2,294 entrepreneurs, mainly petty traders and hawkers operating in Sabah's tamu markets. This initiative demonstrates the ministry's commitment, through TEKUN Nasional, to empower the people's economy by providing micro-financing support, especially for rural communities and small-scale entrepreneurs needing capital to expand their businesses.
He expressed that TEKUN Nasional believes initiatives like these will continue to help micro-entrepreneurs effectively utilize the platforms provided, aligning with the government's aspiration to empower entrepreneurs in Malaysia. Close cooperation between federal and state governments is deemed essential to ensure development efforts benefit all Sabahans, fostering stability and driving socio-economic growth.
Ramanan concluded by asserting that the MADANI Government, through its ministries and agencies, will remain committed to ensuring that government assistance reaches intended target groups and positively impacts the lives of people, especially in Sabah.