KUSKOP Financing Agencies Go To The Ground To Reach MSMEs, In Line With PM’s Call – Sim

GEORGE TOWN, May 24 -- The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) is mobilising four of its financing agencies to go to the ground and engage micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing advisory services and direct financing assistance. Its Minister, Steven Sim, said the four agencies are the National Entrepreneur Group Economic Fund (TEKUN Nasional), Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), SME Bank and Bank Rakyat, which are regularly deployed, including during the nationwide KUSKOP MADANI Sales programme. He said the move is also in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for microcredit agencies to be more proactive in reaching out to the public and entrepreneurs. “We always go to the ground, provide face-to-face advisory services, and, if anyone is interested in registering with complete documents, they can apply on the spot. “So, we do not wait for customers to come to the office. Instead, we seek out customers, entrepreneurs and petty traders to provide assistance to them,” he told reporters after officiating the Family Day Carnival held in conjunction with the Sungai Pinang state constituency KUSKOP MADANI Sales programme today. Also present was chairman of the state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Muslim Affairs Committee Lim Siew Khim, who is also the Sungai Pinang assemblywoman. Yesterday, Anwar called on relevant agencies to intensify efforts to go to the ground and provide information to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on financing facilities and assistance offered by the government. The Finance Minister said this was important to ensure the group does not miss out on various initiatives specifically designed to help increase income and expand businesses. Meanwhile, Sim said KUSKOP is always open to discussions with MSMEs facing cash flow problems or affected by economic crisis and disasters. He said this includes assistance through moratoriums and loan repayment rescheduling, which are part of the ministry’s efforts to support MSMEs. According to him, the non-performing loan (NPL) rate involving financing agencies under KUSKOP has also shown improvement over the past one to two years, with fewer borrowers defaulting on repayments. -- BERNAMA

GEORGE TOWN, May 24 — The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) is mobilising four of its financing agencies to go to the ground and engage micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing advisory services and direct financing assistance. Its Minister, Steven Sim, said the four agencies are the National Entrepreneur Group Economic […]

RM500,000 Allocated For Batu Luking MADANI Adopted Village

SIBU, May 24 -- A total of RM500,000 has been allocated for the implementation of the MADANI Adopted Village Project in Batu Luking, Kanowit near here, involving the upgrading of the water supply system for residents of three longhouses and a primary school. National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang said the construction of the clean water tank was crucial to ensure residents have access to sufficient, stable and safe water supply. Aaron, who is also the Kanowit MP, said the project involves Rumah Bibi, Rumah Johnny, Rumah Morris and SK Batu Luking, which are the main focus of the development initiative in the area. “The MADANI Adopted Village Programme is an integrated effort to bridge the development gap between urban and rural areas through improvements to basic infrastructure such as clean water supply, electricity, road networks, enhanced digital connectivity, community empowerment and strengthening the local socioeconomic landscape,” he said. He told reporters this after launching the Batu Luking MADANI Adopted Village Project at Rumah Bibi today. Aaron hoped the project would be implemented by the end of this year, stressing that the programme demonstrates the MADANI Government’s commitment to ensuring every development intervention has a direct impact on the people’s well-being, while ensuring no community is left behind in the nation’s development. According to him, the programme is also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in efforts to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality and ensure inclusive development. He said the MADANI Adopted Village Programme has shown significant growth in implementation and coverage, involving 43 villages during its initial phase in 2024 before expanding to 219 villages last year. “For this year, the expansion target has been set at up to 500 villages with a more aggressive approach, including the implementation of innovative projects such as off-grid solar energy for areas requiring alternative energy solutions,” he said. -- BERNAMA

SIBU, May 24 — A total of RM500,000 has been allocated for the implementation of the MADANI Adopted Village Project in Batu Luking, Kanowit near here, involving the upgrading of the water supply system for residents of three longhouses and a primary school. National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang said the construction of […]

PM Anwar Calls for Greater Religious Harmony, Rejects Racist Sentiments

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians to continue strengthening unity, mutual respect and harmony among the country’s diverse races and religions in line with the MADANI vision. Speaking at the MADANI Harmony Discourse held in conjunction with the Wesak Day celebration, Anwar stressed the importance of understanding, humanity and peaceful coexistence in maintaining national stability and progress. He said Malaysia was founded on the spirit of cooperation and moderation under the leadership of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, where diversity was embraced as a core foundation of the nation since independence. Anwar noted that while Islam remains the religion of the Federation and Malays and Bumiputera form the majority population, the country was built on mutual respect and appreciation for the diversity of races and faiths. He added that the MADANI concept reinforces values such as courtesy, ethics and humanity as key pillars of nation-building. The Prime Minister also urged for continued interfaith discourse and dialogue, warning against attempts to spread hatred, fear and division for narrow political interests. “It is time for peace-loving Malaysians to defend national unity,” he said. Anwar further cautioned against allowing small groups that manipulate racial sentiments and spread slander to undermine the country’s future and the spirit of coexistence that has long defined Malaysia. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians to continue strengthening unity, mutual respect and harmony among the country’s diverse races and religions in line with the MADANI vision. Speaking at the MADANI Harmony Discourse held in conjunction with the Wesak Day celebration, Anwar stressed the importance of understanding, humanity […]

Ensuring Athletes’ Welfare Key To National Sporting Success – PM Anwar Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR, May 19– The government will continue to prioritise the welfare of athletes to ensure the country is able to achieve more success at the international level, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said sport is not merely a recreational activity but an important strategy within the MADANI Government framework to elevate […]

Youth Must Lead Malaysia’s Future with Knowledge, Integrity and Courage – PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today called on Malaysia’s youth to become the driving force behind the nation’s future by embracing knowledge, technology, integrity and critical thinking in facing an increasingly complex global landscape. Speaking in conjunction with the National Youth Day Celebration, Anwar described the country’s youth as a symbol of spirit, idealism and strength in shaping a progressive and competitive Malaysia. He said young people must be equipped with knowledge, skills, values and confidence to navigate rapid changes in society, technology and the economy. “I believe today’s young generation have the courage to think critically, voice out opinions maturely and bring about reforms for the betterment of the country,” he said. The Prime Minister stressed that mastery of technology and innovation alone is insufficient without strong moral principles, integrity and social awareness to build a dignified and respected nation. Anwar also reaffirmed the MADANI Government’s commitment towards empowering youth through expanded opportunities in education, skills training, employment and entrepreneurship development. He said the government would continue strengthening support systems for gig workers and young entrepreneurs to ensure that the younger generation remains competitive in the evolving economic environment. “As a commitment to the youth empowerment agenda, I am announcing an additional allocation of RM5 million to Majlis Belia Malaysia (MBM) to empower the movement and development of young people across the country,” he announced. The additional allocation is expected to strengthen youth-focused programmes and initiatives aimed at leadership development, innovation, volunteerism and community engagement nationwide. Anwar expressed confidence that the spirit, determination and ideas of Malaysian youth would become a key force in elevating the country to greater heights. “I am sure the spirit, thought and determination of the younger generation will be an important force in lifting Malaysia to a more advanced, fair and respected level,” he added. The National Youth Day Celebration serves as an annual platform to recognise the role of youth in national development while encouraging greater participation in shaping Malaysia’s future direction. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today called on Malaysia’s youth to become the driving force behind the nation’s future by embracing knowledge, technology, integrity and critical thinking in facing an increasingly complex global landscape. Speaking in conjunction with the National Youth Day Celebration, Anwar described the country’s youth as a symbol […]

Fahmi Fadzil Highlights Creative Industry Achievements at Ministry’s Monthly Assembly Hosted by FINAS

PUTRAJAYA, 13 MAY -- National Film Development Corporation Malaysia yesterday hosted the Ministry of Communications Monthly Assembly for May 2026 at the Multipurpose Hall, Level B1, Ministry of Communications Complex, attended by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. In his address, Fahmi highlighted several significant achievements of the nation’s creative industry, including the success of local films which recorded the highest-ever box office collection of RM244 million in 2025. He also announced the establishment of the Orange Economy Council as a strategic initiative to strengthen the national creative industry ecosystem. In addition, he shared plans for the creation of an Animation Division within FINAS aimed at empowering and elevating the local animation sector to greater heights. Also present at the assembly were Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Communications Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil, FINAS Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, as well as the ministry’s top management, heads of agencies and departments under the Ministry of Communications. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB FAHMI FADZIL

PUTRAJAYA, 13 MAY — National Film Development Corporation Malaysia yesterday hosted the Ministry of Communications Monthly Assembly for May 2026 at the Multipurpose Hall, Level B1, Ministry of Communications Complex, attended by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. In his address, Fahmi highlighted several significant achievements of the nation’s creative industry, including the success of local films […]

KPKM accelerates efforts to strengthen national food supply chain – Mohamad Sabu

TASEK GELUGOR: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) is actively strengthening long-term efforts to reduce the country's dependence on basic food following global geopolitical uncertainties which could affect the country's costs and supply chain. Its Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said his party is targeting 30 percent of the country's corn grain needs to be produced locally by 2030, including through the development of more than 2,000 hectares of crops in Perlis which will be launched this month. He said the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development was also expanding onion planting on a large scale involving the Farmers' Organisation Board (LPP) and related agencies, with the target of covering 30 percent of the local onion supply within the next four years. Malaysia currently, he said, depends almost 100 percent on corn and soy imports, which are among the main factors influencing the price of chicken and eggs if there is a price increase in the international market. "Animal feed such as corn and soy still depends heavily on imports. When world prices rise, the costs of our farmers also rise. When oil rises, the costs of fishermen going out to sea also rise. When fertilizer rises, the costs of farmers also rise. "Although the cause is beyond our control, the government cannot let up. The government must work, be prepared and ensure that the food supply is sufficient," he told reporters after the opening ceremony of the MADANI Adoption Village and MADANI Adoption School in Kampung Guar Petai, here, today. Mohamad said that so far the prices of basic foods including chicken, eggs and rice are still under control, but the government will continue to monitor the situation including the possibility of price manipulation if import costs increase. In terms of the country's main food supply, he said it was still stable with the country's rice buffer stock at around 300,000 tonnes while the supply of chicken and eggs was also at a good self-sufficiency level. Meanwhile, commenting on the claims of rice farmers regarding the increase in the cost of planting rice, Mohamad said the ministry always takes into account the views of the group, including regarding the cost of ploughing and agricultural inputs. He said the government had previously approved assistance of RM200 for initial ploughing work to help reduce the burden on rice farmers.

TASEK GELUGOR: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) is actively strengthening long-term efforts to reduce the country’s dependence on basic food following global geopolitical uncertainties which could affect the country’s costs and supply chain. Its Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said his party is targeting 30 percent of the country’s corn grain needs […]