KUSKOP To Lead MSME Scaling, Third-sector Empowerment

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) will spearhead efforts to scale up micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and empower the third sector under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today.

KUSKOP Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the ministry is committed to strengthening MSME business models and ecosystems, enhancing third-sector resilience and visibility, and increasing participation in inclusive business ventures.

He said these pillars will be guided by core policies, including the National Entrepreneurship Policy, National Franchise Policy, Malaysian Cooperative Policy, National Hawkers and Small Traders Development Policy, MSME Strategic Plan 2030 and the Malaysian Social Entrepreneurship Roadmap 2030, all of which will be further enhanced alongside other strategic frameworks.

“These goals will also be supported by public service reforms such as the implementation of the Government Service Efficiency Commitment Bill (ILTIZAM), the strengthening of GovTech, improved governance, project management reforms and a stronger social economy ecosystem,” he said in a statement today.

Ewon added that KUSKOP is committed to advancing entrepreneurship, cooperatives and the social economy through a whole-of-government approach.

He said this would be carried out through platforms such as the National Entrepreneur and SME Development Council, the National Entrepreneurship Development Council, as well as other consultative bodies involving collaboration between ministries, state governments and stakeholders.

Ewon also welcomed the MADANI Government’s continued commitment to addressing regional development gaps between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, and improving the socio-economic status of the Anak Negeri Sabah and Bumiputera Sarawak communities.

“As long as I am entrusted to lead KUSKOP, I will uphold this commitment with renewed focus through the Domestic Look East Policy - KUSKOP’s perspective,” he said.

Ewon said the blue economy empowerment agenda in Sabah reflects the government’s recognition of the state’s potential to drive economic growth in the eastern region.

He expressed confidence that 13MP would guide Malaysia toward a more progressive future, in line with the aspirations of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which laid the foundation of the nation.

“I am proud to be part of the MADANI Government, which has successfully resolved nine of the 13 MA63-related claims from Sabah and Sarawak to date,” he said.

-- BERNAMA