PUTRAJAYA June 27, 2026 — The Malaysian government has paid tribute to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (PMKS/MSMEs) sector, which continues to serve as a critical source of livelihood for more than 8 million workers — nearly half of the country’s workforce — despite global economic pressures.
In a media statement marking Hari PMKS Antarabangsa 2026 (International MSME Day), Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP), Steven Sim Chee Keong, expressed deep appreciation for the resilience of Malaysia’s MSME community.
“Behind every retail shop, restaurant, small factory, service company and family business, there are millions of Malaysians who rely on MSMEs as their source of income and foundation of life,” the minister said.
Strong Economic Contribution
The sector remains a cornerstone of the Malaysian economy, contributing nearly 40% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while providing employment opportunities to over 8 million people.
Despite challenges such as rising operational costs due to the Global Supply Chain Crisis and geopolitical uncertainties, MSMEs have stayed resilient.
Government Support Delivers Results
The MADANI government has intensified its support for the sector. In 2025 alone, 344 entrepreneurship and MSME development programmes were implemented with a total allocation of RM31.63 billion.
Key outcomes included:
- 6,600 new entrepreneurs created
- 50,000 MSMEs improved their business management
- 8,000 MSMEs successfully digitised their operations
Assisted MSMEs recorded an increase in sales of RM870 million and export sales of RM6.8 billion.
Ambitious Plans for 2026
Building on this momentum, the government has planned more than 300 MSME development programmes in 2026 with a total allocation of RM60 billion. These initiatives cover:
- Financing programmes
- Human capital development
- Market access
- Infrastructure
- Technology and innovation adoption
The programmes align with KUSKOP’s ABCD framework:
- Anjakan Produktiviti (Productivity Shift)
- Birokrasi Dipermudah (Simplified Bureaucracy)
- Capaian Modal (Capital Access)
- Daya Akses Pasaran (Market Access Power)
Vision for Growth
KUSKOP aims not only to help MSMEs survive but to elevate them to the next level — from small enterprises to high-value companies, from local markets to international ones, and from technology users to creators of value and innovation.
“When MSMEs grow, the national economy becomes stronger, more job opportunities are created, and more Malaysians can enjoy a better quality of life,” the statement noted.
Minister Steven Sim concluded with a call to action: “Happy International MSME Day 2026. Let’s continue to strengthen Malaysian businesses.”
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