KUALA LUMPUR: The National Entrepreneur and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council has agreed to establish a National Anti-Corruption Strategy for small and medium enterprises.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated the programme aims to increase awareness among micro, small and medium enterprises about ethical practices and business integrity.
A special task force led by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives is scrutinising the programme’s implementation mechanism for optimal impact.
The meeting endorsed creating an SME National Anti-Corruption Strategy initiative to support the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024-2028.
KUSKOP and SME Corporation Malaysia will lead the action plan implementation with Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission support.
The National Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Centre will provide full technical support for the strategy.
Artificial Intelligence technology will serve as a key platform to help SMEs implement cost-effective anti-corruption programmes.
AI will also assist in developing strategic business models for small and medium enterprises.
The meeting learned that RM7.96 billion in financing reached 282,489 entrepreneurs and cooperatives nationwide as of September 30.
Entrepreneurship guidance programmes benefited 121,599 cooperative entrepreneurs and members during the same period.
A total of 345 MSME development programmes were implemented this year with RM30.31 billion allocation.
The SME Integrated Plan of Action Reporting has benefited 609,000 recipients through these initiatives.
The Securities Commission reported 15 of 36 capital market access roadmap initiatives achieved 42% implementation rate.
This implementation rate exceeds the annual 20% target set for MSMEs and mid-capital companies.
The commission will continue promoting capital market awareness and participation among smaller enterprises.
Strategic collaborations will expand capital market access and increase funding channels for entrepreneurs.
Minister Ahmad Zahid emphasised enhancing entrepreneur empowerment efforts during the meeting.
Micro entrepreneurs constitute 71% of the 1.089 million Malaysians involved in entrepreneurship.
Increasing entrepreneur transitions from micro to small and small to medium levels remains a priority.
Higher-level transitions can boost Gross Domestic Product contribution and export values.
MSMEs have contributed RM636 billion in export volume with potential for future growth.
The sector employs 371,000 people with expansion possible through technical and vocational training.
Entrepreneurship courses will further strengthen workforce development in small enterprises.
Ahmad Zahid will address halal certification challenges at the National Halal Council meeting.
Entrepreneurs have reported difficulties obtaining halal certification for their products.
The council aims to facilitate rather than complicate the certification process for businesses.
Different ministry agencies will coordinate efforts to streamline halal certification.
Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail received appointment as MPUPK Special Advisor.
Wan Rosdy will liaise between the council and state government executive councillors for entrepreneurship.
His role includes improving entrepreneurship development at both national and state levels.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick attended the meeting. – Bernama
