Kuala lumpur: The government is strengthening support for the Indian community's business ecosystem by increasing the allocation for the Indian Community Entrepreneur Financing Scheme (SPUMI) from RM30 million to RM50 million this year. Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Steven Sim Chee Keong announced the additional funding, which underscores the government's commitment to expanding access to capital in alignment with the ministry's ABCD strategy.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, as of 2026, SPUMI has successfully channelled RM4.089 million to 136 entrepreneurs within the Indian community across the nation. Minister Sim emphasized the ministry's dedication to providing broader access to capital through this initiative, further reflecting their strategic objectives. These remarks were made during a press conference at the Parliament Media Centre.

Meanwhile, Sim revealed plans to mobilise 200 Wira KUSKOP volunteers in George Town, Penang, for the KUSKOP MADANI Programme. This event, scheduled in conjunction with Thaipusam 2026 on February 1, aims to assist with crowd management and provide support to those in need. The volunteers, aged between 17 and 30 and from various racial backgrounds, will offer assistance to senior citizens, children, and persons with disabilities (PwDs) during the celebration.

In addition to volunteer services, the ministry will offer free rest facilities at the main KUSKOP MADANI tent, accommodating up to 200 individuals at a time. These facilities are designed for frontline workers, senior citizens, mothers, children, PwDs, and devotees who may be tired or unwell.

Furthermore, nine agencies under KUSKOP, including TEKUN Nasional, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), Bank Rakyat, and SME Corp Malaysia, will participate by setting up service booths. These booths will provide training advisory services, entrepreneurship guidance, and entrepreneur registration to the public.