THE government approved RM2.77 billion in financing, grants, and training last year to support 254,700 women entrepreneurs across the country, underscoring its commitment to narrowing the gender gap in the business sector.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim stated in a written parliamentary reply on Wednesday that the allocation reflected the ministry’s dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth by strengthening women’s roles in entrepreneurship.
“A total of RM2.77 billion has been approved covering financing, grants and training, benefiting 254,700 women entrepreneurs in 2025,” Sim said, responding to Datuk Muslimin Yahaya (PN-Sungai Besar), who had inquired about measures to boost female participation in business.
The minister highlighted several key initiatives, including RM2.2 billion under Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia’s (AIM) Ikhtiar financing scheme, which provides support for low-income entrepreneurs. Additional funding included RM35 million through Bank Rakyat’s BRPlus-i BizLady programme and RM24 million via SME Bank’s MySMELady 2.0 initiative.
Sim emphasised that beyond these targeted schemes, the ministry continues to offer open-access programmes for all entrepreneurs, ensuring women have equitable opportunities to grow and scale their businesses.
“These initiatives form part of our broader strategy to empower women economically, strengthen their participation in the private sector, and drive inclusive national growth,” he said.
The substantial funding allocation in 2025 illustrates the government’s ongoing effort to create an environment where female entrepreneurs can thrive, contributing to Malaysia’s overall economic resilience and diversification. - January 29, 2026
