Kota Kinabalu: The Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (Kuskop) is committed to strengthening the entrepreneurship and cooperative ecosystem in Sabah by channelling nearly RM1 billion as of September 2026.
Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin said that in addition to financing, Kuskop is also enhancing business infrastructure by implementing 134 Tamu Desa (rural market) projects in Sabah to provide a more comfortable and conducive trading space for rural entrepreneurs.
“A total of 45,000 entrepreneurs and cooperatives in Sabah have received financing funds totalling nearly RM1 billion.
“This reflects Kuskop’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the ecosystem by providing broad access to financing as well as various other initiatives.
“Through this Sabah Edition of the Karnival Hebatkan Perniagaan Malaysia (HPM/Empowering Malaysian Business Carnival), it clearly demonstrates that the entrepreneurship ecosystem and atmosphere for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state are vibrant and well received.
“Furthermore, it shows the cooperation between the Federal and State Governments in implementing entrepreneurship and cooperative development initiatives that will benefit more entrepreneurs, thereby boosting the State’s economic growth,” he told the media after the HPM Carnival ceremony held here Sunday.
Commenting further on the carnival, Mohamad said the three day event saw an encouraging response from locals and entrepreneurs.
He added that the carnival successfully attracted a turnout exceeding the initial target of 50,000 visitors by the final day.
“As of the second day of the HPM Carnival, sales value is also expected to exceed the initial target of RM300,000, given that collections on the second day reached RM263,000.
“Kuskop recorded an extraordinary achievement through the organisation of the Sabah Edition of the HPM Carnival 2026, thereby proving that the MSME entrepreneurship ecosystem in this state is at a very encouraging level,” he said.
According to him, as the responsible ministry, Kuskop through its agencies such as Tekun Nasional and Bank Rakyat is providing various direct financing facility initiatives on site at the carnival.
“Agencies like Tekun Nasional are highlighting the mobile truck initiative, which offers a micro financing application process with fast track approval in as little as three hours.
“Kuskop understands the needs of entrepreneurs who require quick working capital to ensure the continuity of their businesses; therefore, as a proactive measure by the government, fast track approval initiatives are provided.
“Besides financial assistance, Kuskop, through SME Corp Malaysia, is also mobilising various coaching, training, and course programmes to help entrepreneurs propel their businesses to higher levels through scaling up initiatives that help businesses transition from micro to small, medium, and beyond,” he added.
Mohamad also informed that several digital platforms including MyMall, the official Hebatkan Perniagaan Malaysia portal, or the MyAssist MSME portal are provided for entrepreneurs to obtain advisory and guidance services to venture into the digital market and expand their business reach.
Also present was Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III cum Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick.
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