RM20 Mln For Tamu Desa Proves Govt's Commitment To Assists Entrepreneurs In Sabah, Sarawak - Ewon

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The RM20 million allocation in the 2026 Budget for increasing the sites and commercial spaces for small traders of Tamu Desa (Village Markets) in Sabah and Sarawak can help local entrepreneurs realise their aspirations for better business facilities.

Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) Datuk Ewon Benedick said the allocation reflects the government's commitment to fulfilling the requests of Tamu Desa entrepreneurs in both states to upgrade their market sites and commercial spaces with more complete basic amenities.

"Apart from the RM20 million, Sabah and Sarawak also received much attention in this budget. Sabah, for instance, received an allocation of RM6.9 billion. That is the highest in the nation's budget history to date," he said when met at the Parliament lobby today.

In addition, he said the government's proposal to provide an additional 50 percent tax deduction to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for training cost expenses related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and security will be a catalyst for the adoption of AI among MSME entrepreneurs.

Ewon expressed hope that this tax deduction incentive would boost innovation and technology among MSMEs, adding that this budget reflects fiscal sustainability following the fiscal reforms undertaken, including the subsidy reforms implemented by the government for the first time.

"If we look specifically at the MSME sector, there is so much support provided in this budget... not only representing the ministry but also representing the MSME community, hawkers and small traders, cooperatives, and franchise entrepreneurs.

"... we extend millions of gratitude to the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) for his dedication, commitment, and solidarity with us at KUSKOP in developing this MADANI community," he said.

The 2026 Budget, themed 'People's Budget,' allocates RM470 billion in public expenditure, comprising RM338.2 billion for operating expenditure and RM81 billion for development, in addition to investments by government-linked investment companies (RM30 billion), public-private partnerships (RM10 billion), and Federal Statutory Bodies and Minister of Finance (Incorporated) Companies (RM10.8 billion).

-- BERNAMA