The Malaysian government’s pledge to build a more inclusive, fair, and progressive society under the Malaysia MADANI framework has taken a significant step forward, particularly in uplifting the Indian community’s economic standing. Since 2024, the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), under the leadership of YB Dato’ Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, has rolled out nine high-impact initiatives tailored specifically to address the economic needs of Indian Malaysians.
These initiatives are not just plans, they are real, measurable actions that have directly impacted lives. Encompassing financing, capacity building, training, cooperative empowerment, and community engagement, the programmes reflect the government’s unwavering focus on inclusive growth.
According to Dato Ramanan, these efforts were developed following a call from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who emphasized the need for more targeted strategies under KUSKOP to strengthen the Indian community’s economic foundation. As of mid-2025, over RM356 million has been allocated through these programmes, benefiting nearly 9000 Indian entrepreneurs nationwide.
Key agencies that played vital roles in the execution of these programmes include TEKUN Nasional, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), Bank Rakyat, SME Bank, SME Corp, and the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM). Their collective support has been crucial in ensuring these initiatives are not just launched but sustained with meaningful impact.
“The execution of these initiatives is a clear proof that the MADANI Government is always listening and acting towards the needs and hopes of the people, particularly the Indian community”, said Dato Ramanan in a statement.
More than just addressing current challenges, the goal is to create more Indian entrepreneurs who can become job creators and vital contributors to Malaysia’s broader economic landscape. Dato Ramanan has affirmed that these programes will continue to focus on efficiency in delivery and measurable outcomes.
Importantly, this momentum does not stop here. Dato Ramanan is already assessing several new initiatives to be implemented in the near future, as part of the larger ‘Economic Empowerment Programme’.
“Empowerment of the Indian community is not rhetorical, work is being done with measurable results. I am also evaluating a few more new initiatives to implement in the near future. I am committed and focused to uplift the economy of Indian communities through “Economic empowerment programme”. I will make sure that all initiatives prioritize an efficient delivery system.”
These nine initiatives, along with the promise of more to come, represent a bold and inclusive vision, one where every community, regardless of race, has a stake in the nation’s future.
Sources: Ramanan Ramakrishnan Official Media FB
