PUTRAJAYA, May 15 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday chaired a high-level meeting with chief executive officers of several key government-linked financial institutions to strengthen efforts in expanding financing access for small traders and micro entrepreneurs nationwide.
The meeting involved top leaders from MARA, TEKUN Nasional, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), Bank Rakyat, SME Bank, Agrobank and Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN).
The MADANI Government has allocated more than RM5 billion in micro financing facilities this year, expected to benefit over 400,000 micro entrepreneurs across the country. The financing schemes offer loans of up to RM100,000, with selected programmes carrying interest rates as low as three percent annually.
Prime Minister Anwar stressed that the initiative would not achieve its intended impact if small traders, hawkers and petty entrepreneurs — especially those operating in markets, night markets and public hotspots — remain unaware of the assistance available to them.
“During my visits to various states, I heard firsthand complaints from small business owners who were unaware of the financing and support facilities provided by the government. Many are still struggling on their own because they do not know the proper channels to seek help,” he said.
He instructed all agencies and micro-finance institutions to intensify grassroots engagement efforts and proactively reach out to traders, hawkers, gig workers and micro entrepreneurs facing capital constraints.
According to the Prime Minister, the dissemination of information must be carried out more aggressively and comprehensively to ensure no eligible group is left behind from receiving government assistance.
At the same time, Anwar also called for the financing application process to be simplified, with less burdensome conditions and fairer, more reasonable approval procedures to ensure the facilities truly reach those in need.
He expressed hope that the initiative would empower more small-scale traders, night market operators, women entrepreneurs, youths, gig workers, TVET graduates, small contractors, paddy farmers, asnaf groups and micro entrepreneurs to improve their livelihoods and build a better future.
“Insha-Allah, this effort will help more Malaysians rise, grow and succeed,” he added.
— MINUTESMY
— SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM
