BUKIT MERTAJAM, May 10 — The Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (KUSKOP) has rolled out RM70 million in financing to nearly 2,000 Indian entrepreneurs nationwide under the 2026 Indian Entrepreneur Capital Package and Economic Stimulus (MUDRA).
Its minister Steven Sim said this is part of a larger RM220 million fund announced recently to help uplift Indian entrepreneurs in Malaysia.
"This is the biggest fund ever set aside for the Indian community in KUSKOP's history. I am happy to report that to date, out of the RM220 million, we have approved RM70 million for nearly 2,000 Indian entrepreneurs nationwide.
“I hope many more will step forward to join our MUDRA programme, which is part of the Power Up 10,000 initiative, to boost and support Malaysian businesses. The MADANI government remains committed to empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which are a key driver of our economy.
“That includes making entrepreneurship more inclusive for the Indian community through targeted schemes and support," he told the media after a sales carnival and engagement session with entrepreneurs from the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI), held with KUSKOP agencies to mark Mother's Day today.
The programme brought together about 30 local entrepreneurs and 10 booths from KUSKOP agencies to create networking opportunities, advisory services and financing options for MSMEs.
Sim, who is also the Bukit Mertajam MP, congratulated MAICCI and the Sri Muniswarar Temple for successfully organising the carnival, which he described as an important platform to further boost business activities among the local community.
Meanwhile, the minister said that KUSKOP welcomes the series of Indian Entrepreneur Carnivals organised by MAICCI nationwide, and the ministry will provide full cooperation, including mobilising its agencies to participate in the programme.
The agencies will provide information, guidance, and direct services to participating Indian entrepreneurs.
"I have personally informed MAICCI president Datuk Seri N. Gobalakrishnan that if circumstances allow and depending on my schedule, I would also like to join the roadshow at the state level as part of our effort to engage with Indian entrepreneurs across the country," he said.
On the redevelopment of the Bukit Mertajam Indian Association building, Sim said the historic building, established in 1952, will be redeveloped as a symbol of the Indian community in Bukit Mertajam and as a facility for the wider public.
He also thanked the Sri Muniswarar Temple in Perai for contributing towards the purchase of the property, which had been abandoned for a long time.
