Empowering Entrepreneurs: AIM Distributes RM1.49 Billion in First Six Months of 2025

1 September 2025

KOTA BELUD: Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) has disbursed financing amounting to RM1.487 billion to 317,260 entrepreneurs nationwide between January and June this year.

Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said that of the total, RM178.143 million was channelled to 30,288 AIM members in Sabah.

“In Kota Belud alone, AIM provided financing of RM15.57 million to 1,935 entrepreneurs, while in Kadamaian specifically, RM3.4 million was channelled to 1,312 entrepreneurs.

“I hope this financing can continue to support informal and small-scale entrepreneurs across the country,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after officiating at the AIM Kota Belud Branch Mini Sahabat Entrepreneur Carnival and the official opening of the Ponginapuan Village Tamu Desa in Kampung Rengalau here today.

Ewon added that Sabah recorded the highest number of AIM members, with 52,680, including 3,570 from the Kota Belud branch.

He said the Mini Carnival was an important platform to foster closer ties among AIM members while also encouraging small entrepreneurs to embrace digital payment practices.

The Minister also expressed his appreciation to AIM members who have contributed to boosting the local micro-economy, while recognising AIM’s efforts in helping rural women break free from poverty and succeed as small entrepreneurs.

During the event, in addition to the launch of the Tamu Desa, a mock cheque presentation ceremony was held for AIM financing totalling RM15.57 million for the Kota Belud branch. Several awards were also presented, including the Loyal Member Award, Successful Entrepreneur Award, Best CMCCS Award, Highest OE Centre Award, and the Young and Successful Entrepreneur Award.

The carnival was further enlivened by the Jualan Madani organised by the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM), offering discounts of up to 20 percent on daily essentials, as well as competitions for best traditional attire and traditional Hinava cooking.

Also present were AIM Managing Director, Datuk Mohamed Shamir Abdul Aziz, AIM Sabah Regional management officers, and representatives from the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP).