Government Never Neglects Sabah Entrepreneurs - Ramanan

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- The government, through the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (TEKUN Nasional), has disbursed a total of RM1.25 billion in financing to 66,992 entrepreneurs in Sabah from 1998 until last month, underscoring its continued commitment to empowering micro-entrepreneurs in the state.

Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrisnan said the amount formed part of the RM10.99 billion in financing extended to 861,666 entrepreneurs nationwide across various sectors over the same period.

“In 2025, from January to October, RM137 million was channelled to 5,567 entrepreneurs in Sabah across various sectors. The government has always regarded the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector and micro industries as key pillars of the nation’s economic development - including in Sabah, which is rich in potential,” he said.

Ramanan said that many TEKUN entrepreneurs in Sabah are involved in small-scale businesses, agriculture, handicrafts, and the food industry, which form the backbone of the state’s economy.

“These entrepreneurs not only generate income for their families but also create job opportunities and help stimulate the local economy,” he added.

He said this to reporters after attending a meeting with TEKUN entrepreneurs here today.

Ramanan said in the context of entrepreneur development in Sabah, his ministry recognises the need for a tailored approach that reflects the state’s unique socio-economic characteristics.

“Therefore, TEKUN Nasional has introduced and strengthened more targeted financing schemes. Among them is the Tamu Entrepreneur Financing Scheme (SPUT), specifically designed to assist hawkers and petty traders operating in tamu (local markets).

“This programme reflects the MADANI Government’s commitment to ensuring that tamu traders have easier and more suitable access to financing,” he said.

“I was also informed that since the Tamu scheme was introduced in 2023 until September 2025, a total of RM9.8 million has been channelled to 2,294 entrepreneurs, particularly petty traders and hawkers operating in tamu markets across Sabah,” he said.

He added that this reflects the ministry’s commitment, through TEKUN Nasional, to empowering the people’s economy by providing micro-financing support - especially for rural communities and small-scale entrepreneurs who require capital to expand their businesses.

“TEKUN Nasional believes that initiatives such as this will continue to help micro-entrepreneurs make effective use of the platforms provided, in line with the government’s aspiration to empower entrepreneurs in Malaysia,” he said.

In this regard, he said that close cooperation between the federal and state governments is vital to ensure that development efforts continue to benefit all Sabahans, thereby fostering stability and driving socio-economic growth.

“The MADANI Government, through its ministries and agencies, will continue to ensure that every form of government assistance reaches the intended target groups and brings a real, positive impact to the lives of the people, especially in Sabah,” he added.

-- BERNAMA