Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) will spearhead efforts to scale up micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and empower the third sector under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today. KUSKOP Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick stated the ministry's commitment to enhancing MSME business models, strengthening the third sector's resilience and visibility, and increasing participation in inclusive business ventures.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, these initiatives will be guided by core policies such as the National Entrepreneurship Policy, National Franchise Policy, Malaysian Cooperative Policy, National Hawkers and Small Traders Development Policy, MSME Strategic Plan 2030, and the Malaysian Social Entrepreneurship Roadmap 2030. These policies will be further enhanced alongside other strategic frameworks. Public service reforms like the Government Service Efficiency Commitment Bill (ILTIZAM), the strengthening of GovTech, improved governance, project management reforms, and a stronger social economy ecosystem will support these goals.
Ewon emphasized KUSKOP's commitment to advancing entrepreneurship, cooperatives, and the social economy through a whole-of-government approach. This approach will involve platforms like the National Entrepreneur and SME Development Council, the National Entrepreneurship Development Council, and other consultative bodies collaborating with ministries, state governments, and stakeholders.
Ewon also acknowledged the MADANI Government's ongoing efforts to address regional development gaps between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, aiming to improve the socio-economic status of the Anak Negeri Sabah and Bumiputera Sarawak communities. He pledged to uphold this commitment through the Domestic Look East Policy from KUSKOP's perspective.
Additionally, Ewon highlighted the blue economy empowerment agenda in Sabah as recognition of the state's potential to drive economic growth in the eastern region. He expressed confidence that the 13MP would guide Malaysia towards a more progressive future, aligning with the aspirations of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which laid the nation's foundation.
Ewon expressed pride in being part of the MADANI Government, which has successfully resolved nine of the 13 MA63-related claims from Sabah and Sarawak to date.