Kuala lumpur: A total of 204,429 micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) entrepreneurs and cooperatives across the nation received RM3.59 billion in financial assistance during the first half of 2025. Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick revealed this substantial support during a gathering with the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (KUSKOP) staff and agencies.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, alongside the financial aid, 28,687 new entrepreneurs and cooperatives were established through targeted assistance and support programs. Minister Ewon highlighted that 540 small and medium enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs received mentorship to help expand their businesses into global markets.

Entering the final quarter of 2025, Minister Ewon emphasized the need for KUSKOP to remain prepared, focused, and improve service delivery efficiency. This is in line with the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030 (DKN2030), which aims to position Malaysia as a leading entrepreneurial nation. The MSME sector showed notable growth in 2024, with a 5.8 percent increase contributing RM652.4 billion to the national economy and accounting for 14.3 percent of total exports.

MSMEs also played a significant role in employment, providing jobs for 8.1 million workers, which represents 48.7 percent of the country's total workforce. Minister Ewon further elaborated on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), stating that KUSKOP aims to scale up MSMEs to develop local business entities with creative capacity and competitiveness both domestically and globally.

Additionally, KUSKOP plans to strengthen the third sector by involving social enterprises, inclusive businesses, and cooperatives. This initiative is intended to ensure these entities become key drivers of inclusive and sustainable socio-economic growth.