Kuala lumpur: The government will continue its grassroots initiatives through the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP) to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), cooperatives, and local entrepreneurs in the wholesale and retail trade sector. Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong announced that the initiative would be implemented through various programmes involving MSMEs and cooperatives to support Malaysian businesses in tapping into the sector's growth.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) showed that the wholesale and retail trade sector continued to grow, recording a sales value of almost RM175 billion in April 2026, an increase of 15.3 per cent compared with the same period last year. Minister Sim noted that this growth is driven by strong domestic demand and results from joint efforts by the government and the private sector to reduce the cost of living, stabilize prices, and increase workers' incomes.
"We will continue KUSKOP's efforts to go to the ground, not only with MSMEs and cooperatives but also in supporting Malaysian businesses so that they too can enjoy this sector's growth, thereby boosting the people's economy," he stated after the Jualan MADANI KUSKOP (JMK) programme for the Jawi state constituency at Taman Bukit Panchor.
Sim, who is also the Bukit Mertajam Member of Parliament, highlighted that despite global challenges such as tariff wars, trade wars, and geopolitical conflicts affecting the global economy, Malaysia continues to show encouraging economic growth. As an open economy, Malaysia faces global economic uncertainties, but continuous efforts by the government, private sector, and community ensure that domestic trade activities continue to expand.
"The positive development also provides opportunities for local MSMEs, cooperatives, and small entrepreneurs to expand their markets, build new customer bases, and strengthen participation in the local economic chain," he added. Sim emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are enjoyed comprehensively, particularly by local entrepreneurs, who are key drivers of the national economy.