MyCIF Gets Additional RM20 Mln, Total Allocation Hits RM50 Mln In 2026 -- Amir Hamzah
KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 (Bernama) -- The government will allocate an additional RM20 million to the Malaysia Co-investment Fund (MyCIF), in addition to the RM30 million announced in Budget 2026, bringing the total allocation this year to RM50 million.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said this reflects the government’s confidence in the model and commitment to scaling what has proven effective.
“That additional investment allows us to do more. We are expanding MyCIF to address challenges that are already shaping our future.
“With the launch of the new ‘silver economy scheme’, we will direct investments into micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) developing services and innovative solutions for an ageing population, from remote elderly care to assisted living to retirement planning,” he said in his keynote address at MyCIF Engagement Day today.
Today, MyCIF introduced the silver economy scheme and venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE) profit-sharing incentive.
“We are also introducing a profit-sharing arrangement to bring VC and PE-led deals onto equity crowdfunding (ECF) platforms.
“This is a significant structural shift. Professionally sourced and vetted deals will now be accessible to a much wider pool of investors,” he said.
He said the food security scheme will be expanded to support agritech (agricultural technology) startups, including precision farming, sustainable aquaculture, and supply chain technology.
Amir Hamzah said that 89 per cent of MyCIF investments in 2025 were channelled to micro and small businesses.
“When the rakyat leads, and the government backs them, public money works harder, reaches further, and delivers more,” he said.
Amir Hamzah said MyCIF does not operate in isolation.
Under the Fourth MADANI Budget, he said the government has committed RM50 billion in loan and guarantee facilities for 2026 to support local entrepreneurs, including RM2.5 billion to TEKUN and Bank Simpanan Nasional for microfinancing.
“We have introduced a 50 per cent additional tax deduction for artificial intelligence and cybersecurity training, as our MSMEs must be equipped to compete in a digital-first world.
“And through initiatives such as the green investment tax allowance and targeted grants, we are supporting the green transition that global supply chains increasingly demand,” he said.
In another note, he said the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), together with Bursa Malaysia, is strengthening the LEAP Market value proposition.
“By facilitating the transition of ECF companies with a proven fundraising track record towards a LEAP listing, it will not only enhance their visibility but also provide a seamless pathway between the private and public markets,” he said.
In addition, he said the SC will also streamline the transfer from the LEAP Market to the ACE Market by removing the exit offer requirement, thereby providing greater certainty and reducing costs, with the key initiative expected to be implemented by the second half of this year.
“Ultimately, this will strengthen the overall funding escalator by positioning ECF as a stepping stone for MSMEs before progressing to a public listing,” he added.
-- BERNAMA