The government has outlined three key measures to strengthen Bumiputera economic resilience amid global uncertainties from the West Asia conflict
PUTRAJAYA: The government has outlined three key measures to strengthen Bumiputera economic resilience. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this addresses global uncertainties from the prolonged West Asia conflict.
He said the approach requires firmer, faster and more targeted action. The three measures are immediate assessment, targeted interventions, and firm implementation.
All Bumiputera-mandated agencies must evaluate impacts across critical sectors like food, agro, construction and logistics. Ahmad Zahid said the conflict pressures the global economy, with Malaysia facing commodity price uncertainties and supply chain disruptions.
“More concerning is that Bumiputera entrepreneurs are now facing rising operating costs and increasingly evident cash flow challenges,” he said in a statement. He chaired the Bumiputera Economic Council Steering Committee meeting focused on these strategic measures.
Under the targeted intervention approach, the government will enhance support through flexible financing and cost incentives. It will also strengthen local supply chains and leverage domestic resources to reduce external dependence.
“There is no room for delays. All measures must be implemented immediately with close monitoring and periodic reporting,” he stated. He added that every agency must ensure interventions reach implementation and deliver significant impact.
Medium- and long-term efforts will focus on digitalisation and strengthening youth entrepreneurship. They will also expand access to financing and explore new markets.
“We must go beyond short-term responses,” Ahmad Zahid emphasised. He stressed the need for more effective coordination among ministries, agencies, GLCs and GLICs to ensure initiatives are impactful and not overlapping.
He said the current challenges represent a turning point that calls for bold restructuring. “This is an opportunity to build a more self-reliant, resilient and competitive Bumiputera economy for the future,” he added.
He called on all parties including government, institutions and industry to move as one team. “In today’s uncertain global environment, we cannot rely solely on external strengths,” he concluded.
