PM Anwar Urges Entrepreneur Agencies To Reach Out To People

SEREMBAN, May 15 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged entrepreneur development agencies to intensify efforts to go to the ground to identify the needs of the people and small traders, particularly youths, instead of merely waiting in offices.

He said the ground approach was crucial to ensure that all government assistance, financing and programmes genuinely reached the target groups and were able to address problems faced by the people at the grassroots level.

“My message is clear to all government agencies and financial institutions — find ways to reach out to the people. Do not wait for them to come to offices to seek assistance,” he said when speaking at the 2026 National Youth Day (HBN) celebration here today.

Also present were Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun and Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.

The Prime Minister said the relevant ministries and agencies needed to be more proactive in engaging small entrepreneurs and young traders on the ground.

“If there are small stalls in Kuala Lumpur, Seremban or anywhere else, go and meet them, ask about their problems, whether they have capital, whether facilities are sufficient or not. The government must be present to help the people,” he said.

The Prime Minister also launched the Malaysian Youth Action Plan 2035.

Anwar also said outreach programmes of ministries and agencies should include those involved in the gig economy and small enterprises, which have become the main source of income for many youths.

“We cannot view problems solely from the office. Ministers and agencies need to go to the ground themselves to see the realities faced by the people and find solutions,” he said.

At the same time, he said the strength of the younger generation must continue to be reinforced through confidence, idealism and strong integrity values to nurture principled and resilient youths.

Anwar said the global shift from the agricultural era to the digital revolution and artificial intelligence (AI) era required young people not only to master technological skills, but also to possess strong principles, critical thinking and clarity of values in facing current challenges.

“If confidence and idealism are lost, society will easily deteriorate because struggles will be driven solely by self-interest, power and wealth,” he said.

The Prime Minister also reminded youths to be courageous in speaking up and thinking critically, while at the same time maintaining good manners and sound values in building a mature and harmonious society.

-- BERNAMA