Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (KUSKOP) is targeting a RM50 million allocation in financing access, through Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), this year, specifically to empower new women entrepreneurs from the Indian community. Deputy Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin highlighted the upward trend in the performance of Indian women entrepreneurs receiving AIM financing, particularly in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the number of Indian women entrepreneurs utilizing AIM financing saw a substantial increase in 2024, with the figure rising to 3,577 entrepreneurs, including 1,605 new borrowers, accounting for 44.87 per cent. This upward trend continued in 2025, reaching 4,739 entrepreneurs, with 2,597 new borrowers, or 54.8 per cent. This reflects the momentum of recovery and growing confidence in the financing facilities provided.

Mohamad Alamin, in response to a question from Senator K. Saraswathy at Dewan Negara, detailed that the services sector remains the dominant field among Indian women entrepreneurs, representing 66.17 per cent of businesses. This sector includes direct sales, cleaning services, mini-markets, tailoring, and vehicle workshops. The food and beverage sector follows at 30.34 per cent, with the remaining 3.49 per cent involving tourism, livestock, and agriculture.

Mohamad Alamin further stated that the ministry, through agencies like the Institut Keusahawanan Negara (INSKEN) and SME Corp, is committed to providing guidance and training in digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) to keep small and medium enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs competitive. The ministry also expressed readiness to collaborate with the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) to discuss proposals related to loan interest costs and additional support for Indian entrepreneurs.