PMR 2025 Platform Empowers Sabah Entrepreneurs, Spurs Economic Growth – Hajiji

11 May 2025

TAWAU: The implementation of development programmes such as Program Madani Rakyat (PMR) 2025 at the district level is providing a valuable boost to local entrepreneurship and reinforcing Sabah’s economic foundation.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said such initiatives allow grassroots entrepreneurs to tap into government-supported schemes, helping to expand market access for local products while encouraging domestic tourism growth.

“This initiative reflects the commitment of the Madani government to ensure that no region is left out of development efforts,” he said at the PMR 2025: Sabah programme held at the Tawau Municipal Council Square here today.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the programme’s closing ceremony.

Hajiji expressed appreciation for the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), which he said had played a significant role in strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state.

He cited various KUSKOP-led efforts that have impacted over 50,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Sabah, including the Tamu Desa Premises Project, digitisation initiatives through TEKUN TikTok Shop, RM800 million in financing, and the establishment of the MSME Hub by SME Corporation Malaysia.

“The ehsan@KUSKOP programme, with its integrated approach of mentoring, training, capital support and monitoring, has the potential to eliminate hardcore poverty,” he said, adding that it should be expanded to more districts, especially rural areas.

The Chief Minister also urged banking institutions under KUSKOP, particularly Bank Rakyat, to enhance financial accessibility in underserved areas by increasing branch presence or installing ATMs.

At the state level, he highlighted several initiatives aimed at developing young entrepreneurs, including the Youth Entrepreneurs Excellence Scheme (SYABAS) under the Ministry of Youth and Sports Sabah.

The Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, he said, is also supporting youth through targeted programmes such as the Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme Workshop (BUSS) and the Technical Entrepreneur Scheme Workshop (BEST).

“Additionally, Yayasan Usaha Maju (YUM), a state agency established in 1995, continues to provide micro-loans to small business owners, particularly women, to help expand their ventures,” he said.

On Sabah’s economic performance, Hajiji said the state had made steady progress post-pandemic, with its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increasing from RM82.1 billion in 2022 to RM83.2 billion in 2023, and projected to reach RM84.9 billion this year.

“This trend reflects the state government’s ongoing commitment to revitalise Sabah’s economy and drive it toward new heights,” he said.

Efforts to eradicate hardcore poverty are also bearing fruit, Hajiji added, with significant results achieved through collaboration between the state and federal governments.

Among the key initiatives contributing to this progress are the Rumah Mesra SMJ, Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat Sabah, and the state’s policy to prioritise employment for heads of households listed as poor or hardcore poor in agencies and selected government-linked companies.

“The strong synergy between the state and federal governments is essential in achieving the shared vision of a Madani society – one that is progressive, with integrity, and thrives in harmony,” he said.