Kuala lumpur: The government has outlined three key measures to strengthen Bumiputera economic resilience, particularly in addressing global uncertainties arising from the prolonged geopolitical conflict in West Asia. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized the need for firmer, faster, and more targeted action through three measures: immediate and comprehensive assessment, targeted high-impact interventions, and firm, accountable implementation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid stated that under the immediate and comprehensive assessment approach, all Bumiputera-mandated agencies are required to evaluate the impact across critical sectors such as food and agro, construction, and logistics. He noted that the ongoing conflict exerts direct pressure on the global economy, affecting Malaysia with uncertainties in commodity prices, supply chain disruptions, and rising logistics costs, all contributing to inflation. Bumiputera entrepreneurs, in particular, are experiencing increased operating costs and cash flow challenges.
The Deputy Prime Minister made these remarks in a statement following the Bumiputera Economic Council Steering Committee (JPMEB) Meeting No. 1/2026, which focused on strategic measures to bolster Bumiputera economic resilience. As the committee chairman, Ahmad Zahid highlighted that under the targeted and high-impact intervention approach, the government will enhance support through flexible financing, cost incentives, strengthening local supply chains, and leveraging domestic resources to reduce external dependence.
He stressed the urgency of these measures, insisting on immediate implementation with close monitoring and periodic reporting. Ahmad Zahid stated that every agency is accountable for ensuring these interventions reach the implementation stage and deliver significant impact to Bumiputera entrepreneurs.
Moreover, he outlined medium- and long-term efforts, focusing on digitalization, strengthening youth entrepreneurship, expanding access to financing, and exploring new markets. He emphasized the importance of effective coordination among ministries, agencies, government-linked companies (GLCs), and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) to ensure impactful and non-overlapping initiatives.
He described the current challenges as a turning point that calls for bold restructuring, presenting an opportunity to build a more self-reliant, resilient, and competitive Bumiputera economy for the future. Ahmad Zahid urged all parties, including the government, institutions, industry, and economic players, to unite as one team. He concluded by stressing the need to strengthen internal foundations to be more structured, resilient, and capable of creating value in today's uncertain global environment.