RM19 Million Boost for 182 Sabah SMEs Underscores Government’s Commitment to Entrepreneurial Growth

4 November 2025

PENAMPANG: A total of RM18.9 million in financial assistance under the Bumiputera Enterprise Enhancement Programme (BEEP) 2.0 and BEEP Plus has been approved for 182 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Sabah to date.

The grant aid, channelled through the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC) via its agency, SME Corp. Malaysia, demonstrates the Government’s firm commitment to strengthening local entrepreneurship and driving sustainable economic development.

The Meet and Greet Sessions held between the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, and alumni of the Bumiputera Youth Entrepreneur Programme (TUBE), was in conjunction with the Sabah MSME Hub Open Day.

He officiated the event where he also presented mock cheques worth RM1.3 million to 18 recipients under BEEP 2.0, BEEP Plus and TUBE.

The BEEP initiative enhanced the competitiveness of Bumiputera SMEs through an integrated support package that includes advisory services, technical assistance, training, and financial aid of up to RM500,000.

Meanwhile, BEEP Plus, financed under the Micro MADANI Fund, offers matching grants of up to RM250,000, specifically tailored for Bumiputera microenterprises in Sabah and Sarawak.

In his officiating address, Datuk Ewon said, “The success of BEEP and BEEP Plus not only supports the growth of micro businesses in both urban and rural areas but also strengthens local community economies through job creation and business capacity building."

"These programmes serve as catalysts in narrowing the development gap between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, with a particular focus on empowering Bumiputera entrepreneurs in Sabah and Sarawak.”

He also urged entrepreneurs to stay alert to latest announcements and to take full advantage of available financial assistance, training, mentorship and business matching platforms.

Meanwhile, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Bernard Giluk Dompok, Chairman of SME Corp. Malaysia, said in his welcoming remarks “Ground-level engagement initiatives such as the MSME Hub Open Day not only reinforce ties between agencies and entrepreneurs but also deliver tangible value to MSMEs. Through direct interaction, entrepreneurs gain access to accurate information, effective guidance, and strategic networking opportunities to expand their markets.”

SME Corp. Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Rizal Dato’ Nainy told the media that this Sabah MSME Hub Open Day marks the third session organised since the Hub was launched by Datuk Ewon Benedick on 3 May 2025.

To attract greater participation, the event featured enhanced activities such as pocket talks, sales booths and lucky draws.

The MSME Hub Open Day is part of SME Corp. Malaysia’s extended outreach initiative, aimed at engaging local entrepreneurs across the states. In addition to the ministerial meet-and-greet session, visitors had the opportunity to learn more about various government programmes and facilities through advisory counters and pocket talks conducted by agencies such as TEKUN Nasional, INSKEN, Bank Rakyat and PERNAS.

Also present at the ceremony were Dato’ Sri Khairul Dzaimee Daud, Secretary-General of KUSKOP, and Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Bernard Giluk Dompok, Chairman of SME Corp. Malaysia.