Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed government agencies and financial institutions to take a more proactive approach by engaging small traders directly on the ground to explain available financing schemes and assistance.
He said a report by the Khazanah Research Institute showed that while financing facilities are widely available, many small traders are still unaware of them or do not fully utilise the support provided.
“I have discussed with agencies such as Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), Tekun Nasional, Bank Rakyat, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) and Agrobank to go down to the ground. Do not expect traders to come to the office,” he told reporters after visiting the Taman Melawati Farmers’ Market.
He stressed that the objective is to reach out directly to the people so more traders can access loans with low service charges, adding that many only require between RM10,000 and RM20,000 to start or expand their businesses.
Anwar also highlighted that repayment performance among small traders remains strong, particularly among women, who record nearly 100% repayment rates, while men stand at around 95%.
“These people work hard; they don’t complain much. There is no constant grumbling or whining… that’s only from some politicians,” he said jokingly.
He added that the government recently announced a micro-financing package worth more than RM5 billion for 2026, which is expected to benefit over 400,000 micro-entrepreneurs.
The scheme offers loans of up to RM100,000, with certain programmes featuring interest rates as low as 4% per annum.
