The government has strengthened it’s support for the Indian community’s business ecosystem by increasing the allocation for the Indian Community Entrepreneur Financing Scheme (SPUMI) from RM30 million to RM50 million this year.
Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Steven Sim Chee Keong said the additional funding reflects the government’s continued commitment to expanding access to capital in line with the ministry’s ABCD strategy.
“As of 2026, SPUMI has channeled RM4.089 million to 136 entrepreneurs from the Indian community nationwide,” he said at a press conference at the Parliament Media Centre today.
Sim noted that through SPUMI, the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP) aims to provide broader and more inclusive access to financing, particularly for underserved communities seeking to grow sustainable business.
Support Initiatives During Thaipusam 2026
In conjunction with Thaipusam 2026, Sim also announced that the ministry will mobilise 200 Wira KUSKOP volunteers in George Town, Penang, as p-part of the KUSKOP MADANI Programme on 1st February.
The volunteers, comprising youths aged between 17 and 30 from various racial backgrounds, will assist with crowd management and provide support to senior citizens, children, and persons with disabilities (PwDs) throughout the celebrations. To further support devotees and frontline workers, the ministry will also provide free rest facilities at the main KUSKOP MADANI tent, which can accommodate up to 200 people at a time.
Multi-Agency Participation
Sim added that nine agencies under KUSKOP will be involved in the programme, including TEKUN Nasional, Amanah Ikthiar Malaysia (AIM), Bank Rakyat, and SME Corp Malaysia. These agencies will operate service booths offering training advisory services, entrepreneurship guidance, and entrepreneur registration to the public, further extending support beyond financing.
The expanded SPUMI allocation and on-ground initiatives underscore the government’s broader effort to strengthen inclusive entrepreneurship while supporting community well-being during major cultural and religious events.
Sources: Bernama
