Kota Kinabalu: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) has recorded a commendable achievement, with over 6,600 women in Sabah successfully registering with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) and receiving initial financing through various entrepreneurship schemes under the agency.
Mara Chairman Datuk Wira Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said they were among a total of 10,700 women participants who have taken part in 67 series of the Women Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme since its inception more than two decades ago.
“Of the figure, I am pleased to announce that 6,654 women – approximately 30 per cent – have officially registered their businesses with SSM and received financing.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');}); “Among the most active are women entrepreneurs who are also managing households and families,” he said during the Sabah Women Empowerment Programme 2025 at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here Tuesday.
The programme was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister cum Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Asyraf said the loan repayment rate among women is among the highest across Mara’s financing schemes.
“Out of the 17 active financing schemes involving women, the repayment rate has never fallen below 93 per cent. This clearly demonstrates that women are the true ‘paymasters’ – capable of managing businesses with discipline and accountability,” he said.
He also praised the strong motivation and entrepreneurial spirit shown by women in Sabah, particularly through their active participation in Mara-led programmes.
“Sabah is among the states with the highest participation in these programmes. While I couldn’t attend every session, the programmes with the largest turnout were here in this State – especially from rural areas. This proves that women in Sabah are truly driven to succeed,” he said.
Asyraf said Mara has allocated RM31.2 million specifically for financing women entrepreneurs in Sabah this year, making it one of the highest state allocations to date.
“However, this amount is still insufficient. Given the significant impact of these programmes, we hope that with the support of the Deputy Prime Minister (Zahid), the Prime Minister and Cabinet will consider increasing the funds to expand financing for women entrepreneurs across the State, including rural areas,” he said, confident that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will continue to prioritise the women’s empowerment agenda.
Asyraf hopes such programmes can be continued and expanded in the future to provide more women with opportunities and benefits in the field of entrepreneurship.
“God willing, all the aspirations and proposals raised in today’s programme will be conveyed and championed for future implementation,” he said.
