RMK13: Entrepreneur Development Ministry to Lead MSME Scaling and Third Sector Empowerment, Says Ewon Benedick

RMK13: Entrepreneur Development Ministry to Lead MSME Scaling and Third Sector Empowerment, Says Ewon Benedick

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) will spearhead efforts to scale up micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and strengthen the third sector under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), said its minister Datuk Ewon Benedick today.

Welcoming the RMK13 blueprint for the period of 2026 to 2030, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament, Ewon said the plan presents a vision for an inclusive, sustainable, and responsible development framework in line with the Malaysia MADANI philosophy.

“KUSKOP is fully committed to leading the scaling of MSMEs by strengthening business models and improving the MSME ecosystem. We will also empower the third sector by building resilience, enhancing visibility, and increasing participation in inclusive business,” he said in a statement.

These efforts, Ewon added, will be guided by several key national policies and strategic frameworks including the National Entrepreneurship Policy, National Franchise Policy, Malaysia Cooperative Policy, National Hawkers and Small Traders Development Policy, the PMKS Strategic Plan 2030, and the Malaysian Social Entrepreneurship Blueprint 2030 — all of which will be further enhanced.

He also emphasised the role of public service reform, including the implementation of ILTIZAM, GovTech empowerment, project management reform, and improved socio-economic ecosystems. These initiatives align with KUSKOP’s push for a new cooperative act and efforts to internationalise Malaysia’s franchise industry.

KUSKOP, he said, will continue to champion the national entrepreneurial, cooperative, and social economy agenda through a “whole-of-government” approach, working in close collaboration with ministries, state governments, and stakeholders via platforms such as the National Entrepreneurship and SME Development Council and the National Entrepreneurship Development Council.

As a Cabinet member from Sabah, Ewon also lauded the federal government’s commitment to balancing regional development between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, especially the socio-economic development of the Indigenous peoples of Sabah and the Bumiputera of Sarawak.

He said KUSKOP will support this commitment through initiatives under the “Look East Within” policy, from KUSKOP’s perspective. He also noted that the MADANI Government’s recognition of Sabah’s Blue Economy potential will stimulate further economic growth in the eastern region.

“I believe RMK13 will usher Malaysia into a more progressive and equitable era, consistent with the aspirations of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” Ewon said.

He expressed pride in the MADANI Government’s achievement of resolving 9 out of 13 key MA63 claims to date, further strengthening the federal-state partnership.

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