KOTA BELUD, SABAH. Malaysia, Sept 1, 2025 – Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) has distributed RM1.487 billion in financing to 317,260 small entrepreneurs across the country from January to June 2025, according to the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives.
Of this total, RM178.143 million was allocated to 30,288 AIM beneficiaries in Sabah, with RM15.570 million going to 1,935 entrepreneurs in the Kota Belud area alone. In the Kadamaian sub-district, RM3.4 million was disbursed to 1,312 entrepreneurs.
Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick highlighted the initiative during the official opening of the Mini Carnival for AIM Entrepreneurs at the Kota Belud branch and the launch of the Ponginapuan Village Market in Kampung Rengalau on Sunday.
“I hope this financing can continue to support informal and small entrepreneurs throughout the country,” Ewon said.
Sabah leads the nation with the highest number of AIM beneficiaries at 52,680, including 3,570 from the Kota Belud branch.
The minister praised the event as a key platform for strengthening bonds among AIM members and promoting digital payments among small businesses.
He also commended AIM beneficiaries for boosting the local micro-economy and acknowledged AIM’s efforts in empowering rural women to escape poverty and succeed as entrepreneurs.
The ceremony included the presentation of a RM15.57 million mock cheque for AIM financing to the Kota Belud branch, along with awards such as Loyal Entrepreneur Award, Successful Entrepreneur Award, Best CMCCS Award, Highest OE Center Award, and Young and Successful Entrepreneur Award.
The carnival featured the MADANI Cooperative and Entrepreneur Sale organized by the Malaysia Cooperatives Commission (SKM), offering up to 20% discounts on daily essentials. Additional highlights included a traditional attire competition and a Hinava traditional cooking contest.
AIM Managing Director Dato’ Mohamed Shamir Abdul Aziz, Deputy Managing Directors (Operations and Finance) Haji Jani Izwandy Che Jan, AIM Sabah regional management officers, and representatives from KUSKOP agencies were in attendance.
The event underscores the government’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in rural areas.
