KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA April 10, 2026 – The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (KUSKOP) and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) are exploring strategic collaboration to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs/PMKS) in managing rising operational costs while speeding up the shift to renewable energy.
Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong today held a high-level meeting with TNB Chief Executive Officer Datuk Ir. Ts. Shamsul Ahmad to discuss practical measures that will help MSMEs improve cost efficiency, strengthen cash flow and adopt cleaner energy solutions amid the ongoing global energy crisis.
The global energy challenges have placed significant pressure on Malaysian MSMEs, many of which operate on thin margins and face escalating electricity and daily operating costs. The joint initiative aims to empower businesses through better energy management, the Time-of-Use (ToU) tariff scheme and accelerated adoption of renewable energy (RE) to ensure long-term sustainability.
During the meeting, Steven Sim outlined several key areas of cooperation:
- Incentives and tariffs: KUSKOP, through SME Corp. Malaysia, proposed coordinated and more MSME-friendly incentives or tariffs.
- Time-of-Use (ToU) expansion: Both parties will intensify joint campaigns to encourage wider adoption of the ToU scheme, enabling businesses to optimise electricity usage and reduce costs. Digitalisation and renewable energy transition: Enhanced access for MSMEs to solar installations via flexible financing models such as zero capex, in line with ESG goals and faster RE uptake.
- Capacity building: Collaboration with INSKEN to expand training programmes covering financial management, business expansion and scaling for entrepreneurs.
- Long-term opportunities: Greater MSME participation in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) ecosystem, including new sectors such as solar, electric vehicles (EV), data centres and energy technology, through platforms like the Energy Transition Conference.
Steven Sim stressed that KUSKOP will work closely with TNB to develop targeted incentives and raise awareness so that more MSMEs can benefit from these initiatives.
“With the combination of cost management efforts and energy transition opportunities, we want to ensure Malaysian MSMEs remain competitive, resilient and ready to expand into new markets,” he said.
The initiative is in line with KUSKOP’s “Hebatkan Perniagaan Malaysia” agenda, which is built on the ABCD strategy — Anjakan Produktiviti (Productivity Shift), Birokrasi Dipermudah (Simplified Bureaucracy), Capaian Modal (Capital Access) and Daya Akses Pasaran (Market Access Strength).
The full media statement was issued by the Corporate Communications Unit of the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development.
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