Sabah channels RM950.78mn in funding to support local entrepreneurs

The funding has reached 44,059 entrepreneurs and cooperatives as of September 2026, with the state government also looking to improve business productivity, simplify application processes, and expand market access.

A total of RM950.78mn in financing has been channelled to 44,059 entrepreneurs and cooperatives in Sabah as of September 2026, through the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (KUSKOP) and its agencies.

Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, Chief Minister of Sabah said the amount reflects the government's continued commitment to widening access to financing and supporting the growth and competitiveness of local businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

In a speech delivered on his behalf at the opening of the Sabah State Level 2026 Great Malaysia Business Carnival at Lintasan Deasoka, Datuk Hajiji said the state government welcomed KUSKOP's approach under the Enhancing Malaysian Business (HPM) initiative, which focuses on comprehensive entrepreneur development beyond financing.

His speech was delivered by Datuk Ewon Benedick Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport.

"Entrepreneurs not only need financing, but also training, technology, increased productivity, easier application processes and access to a wider market," Datuk Hajiji said.

He added that the state wanted to see more local entrepreneurs and companies become more digital, productive and innovative, while expanding their reach into national and international markets.

The effort to strengthen Sabah's entrepreneurial ecosystem is aligned with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 Development Plan for 2026 to 2030, which focuses on improving the state's economic competitiveness, productivity and added value.

Datuk Hajiji also welcomed KUSKOP's efforts to reform bureaucratic processes, simplify procedures and shorten application processing times to improve service delivery to entrepreneurs. He said such measures would allow business owners to spend more time developing their businesses and finding customers, rather than dealing with processes that could be simplified.

The state government, he added, is prepared to continue working with KUSKOP and its agencies to ensure federal government programmes meet the needs of Sabah's business community.

Datuk Hajiji also welcomed Malaysia's Budget 2027, noting its emphasis on MSME development, including improved access to financing and lower costs of doing business.

Meanwhile, the state government has continued to support local entrepreneurs through initiatives such as the SME-UP Assistance Programme, which aims to strengthen the capacity, productivity and competitiveness of local enterprises.

It is also working to create more opportunities for local products to enter new markets, particularly in food and beverage, agriculture, tourism, handicrafts and locally sourced products.

Datuk Hajiji said the state was strengthening entrepreneurship development through innovation and technology, alongside rural product development and skills training. These initiatives, he added, could help more entrepreneurs, particularly young people and rural communities, improve their skills, add value to their products and explore new economic opportunities.

He stressed the need for closer cooperation between state and federal governments to help more Sabah entrepreneurs grow their businesses and establish themselves as local business leaders, while also encouraging entrepreneurs to make use of opportunities offered at the HPM Carnival, including financing consultations, digital training, and business matching provided by KUSKOP agencies and state strategic partners.

He urged businesses to look beyond their existing markets and improve their packaging, branding and product consistency to remain competitive.

Datuk Hajiji expressed confidence that closer collaboration between the state and federal governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and the business community would help more local enterprises grow and reach international markets.

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Lead image / Ketua Menteri Sabah