PULAU PINANG October 3, 2026 — Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong today announced BERKAT Deepavali, a special RM30 million financing scheme to help Indian community entrepreneurs prepare their businesses ahead of Deepavali on 8 November 2026.
The scheme will be implemented through TEKUN Nasional, an agency under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP). It offers financing of up to RM30,000, with a profit rate of 3 per cent a year and a financing tenure of up to 12 months.
Announcing the scheme at the MADANI Kita Programme for Penang 2026, Sim said the facility was important especially for small traders who need capital within a short period to increase stock and prepare for the festive season.
“Deepavali is among the most important sales periods for many Indian traders. If they need capital to increase stock, we want that financing to reach them when they truly need it,” he said.
“For small traders, timing is crucial. That is why we are not only providing RM30 million in funds, but also want to ensure the financing process is faster,” Sim added.
The financing can be used as additional working capital, particularly for small traders and hawkers in food and beverage, clothing, and sales of equipment and fittings ahead of Deepavali.
BERKAT Deepavali is open from 3 October to 8 November 2026. Applications can be made through the TEKUN Online Application System or at TEKUN branch offices nationwide.
The scheme is open to Malaysian citizens from the Indian community aged between 18 and 65. Existing TEKUN entrepreneurs may also apply, provided their total financing received does not exceed RM100,000.
TEKUN Nasional chief executive officer Mohamad Shiblie Abg Sapuan said TEKUN would focus on a simple and quick application process so entrepreneurs can use the financing when it is truly needed.
“Our goal is to ensure eligible entrepreneurs do not miss business opportunities because of a lack of working capital. The TEKUN team will help ensure the application process runs smoothly,” he said.
Previously, through the BARAKAT scheme for Hari Raya Aidilfitri from February to March, TEKUN Nasional channelled RM35 million to 5,590 entrepreneurs, exceeding the initial allocation of RM30 million.
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