MEDC to take on responsibility of ensuring MSMEs rapid development

3 March 2023

By Wartawan Nabalu News

KUALA LUMPUR: Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, stated that his ministry will take on the significant responsibility of ensuring the rapid development of the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector in the country and its substantial contribution to the national economy.

He expressed confidence in the strong support and backing of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the development of MSMEs, including the provision of substantial financing, which will further accelerate the growth of MSMEs in the country.

"As the ministry leading the development of MSMEs, I greatly appreciate the tremendous support given by the Prime Minister, including the provision of financing and entrepreneurship training needed by the MSME community in the country.

"This includes giving a role to agencies under my ministry, such as Tekun Nasional, to become one of the leaders in the Bumiputera Micro Credit Financing Fund with an allocation of RM1 billion, with a focus on women, youth, and military veterans," he said in a media statement yesterday.

He made these remarks when commenting on several announcements made by the Prime Minister during his speech at the closing ceremony of the Bumiputera Economic Congress (KEB) at the PICC.

Ewon hopes that the announced funds will further increase the participation of women, youth, and military veterans in entrepreneurship.

He also fully supports the Prime Minister's suggestion that all gifts in the form of souvenirs given to foreign leaders visiting Malaysia should be sourced from local handicrafts as a support to the local handicraft industry.