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With a RM230mn allocation, the PADURI MADANI Scheme aims to provide accessible financing for Malaysian women, particularly from B40 communities, to start, revive, or expand income-generating businesses.
Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) has introduced the PADURI MADANI scheme, a financing initiative designed to support women entrepreneurs, especially those from B40 households in urban and rural communities.
The scheme is supported by a RM230mn allocation announced by Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim during the presentation of the 2026 Budget. It aims to help women improve household income through business activities, while strengthening entrepreneurship participation among communities across Malaysia.
The name paduri is rooted in old Malay language and culture, referring to women who are sustainable, courageous, reliable and enduring. The scheme also reflects the values of Malaysia MADANI, which emphasises sustainability, prosperity, creativity, respect, confidence and kindness in building a progressive and humane society.
Requirements and qualifications
The PADURI MADANI Scheme is open to Malaysian women aged 18 and above who are either starting a business or already operating one.
It targets B40 women from both urban and rural areas, including the Malay, Chinese, Indian and Siamese communities, as well as Orang Asli, indigenous people, and Bumiputeras of Sabah and Sarawak.
Applicants must have a monthly household income not exceeding RM5,880, or a per capita income not exceeding RM1,470. They must also have lived in their current place of residence for at least one year.
Financing without guarantor or collateral
One of the key features of the scheme is its accessibility. The scheme does not require a guarantor or collateral, making it easier for women from lower-income households to apply.
AIM also states that applicants who are blacklisted or bankrupt may still be considered. Financing is structured to be easy and continuous, with repayments made weekly.
Breakdown
Under the PADURI MADANI Financing (Economy) component, funds are intended to help entrepreneurs increase their income through business activities.
The financing may be used to:
- Start a new business project
- Revive an inactive project
- Expand an existing business
The economic financing categories include i-PADURI Mesra, i-PADURI Heroine and i-PADURI Young.
In addition to economic financing, the PADURI MADANI scheme also includes social financing. This is offered as an additional facility for entrepreneurs who demonstrate a good track record in managing their financing.
Social financing is not directly used as business capital, but is intended to support broader needs. The categories include:
- i-PADURI Authority
- i-Prosperous PADURI
- i-PADURI Bestari
- i-PADURI Compassionate
Here is the full breakdown:
Weekly meetings and repayments
Applicants who become AIM Entrepreneur Friends are required to participate in weekly Central Meetings. These meetings serve as a platform for repayments, financing applications, project monitoring and discussions related to business financing.
Each Central Meeting consists of around 12 groups, with approximately 60 Entrepreneur Friends attending.
The meeting agenda can be found below:
Repayments can be made through the CMCCS system in the Sahabat Super Apps application, through e-pay terminals provided at Central Meetings, or according to the weekly repayment schedule.
Application process
The process to become an AIM Entrepreneur Friend involves several stages, beginning with an eligibility census and collection of applicant information. Applicants are then grouped with other members before attending briefings on AIM schemes and benefits.
The group must then be recognised by the Branch Manager before members attend weekly Central Meetings and submit financing applications.
According to AIM, a complete application will take a maximum of 16 working days from the application date. Repayment begins two weeks after the financing is received.
Interested applicants may contact the nearest AIM regional office or visit the official AIM website at:
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Lead image and infographics / AIM
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