PM Anwar orders banks to deal directly with small traders

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed government-linked financial institutions and development agencies to intensify grassroots outreach efforts to support small traders struggling with rising business costs and limited access to financing.

Speaking after launching the Agrobank x FAMA Special Agro Entrepreneur Scheme at the Taman Melawati Farmers’ Market, Anwar said many microentrepreneurs across the country required only small-scale financing of between RM10,000 and RM20,000 to sustain or expand their businesses.

The Prime Minister said findings from the Khazanah Research Institute showed that although financing facilities were widely available, many small traders either remained unaware of existing schemes or were unable to access them effectively.

“I discussed with Bank Simpanan Nasional, TEKUN Nasional, Bank Rakyat, Majlis Amanah Rakyat and Agrobank so that they go to the ground and do not wait for the people to come to their offices.

“We visit hundreds of small companies conducting business, but sometimes they only need loans of RM10,000 or RM20,000,” he said.

Also present at the event was Agrobank president and group chief executive officer Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin.

Anwar said repayment rates among women borrowers had been especially encouraging and were approaching nearly 100 per cent, reflecting the discipline and resilience of many small-scale entrepreneurs despite ongoing economic pressures.

According to him, small traders generally remained patient and hardworking even while facing mounting operational costs and increases in the prices of essential goods.

“These small traders complain very little. It is the ‘big players’ who complain a lot.

“They do not complain much, they simply sweat through the hardship, while those constantly complaining are certain politicians,” he said jokingly.

The Prime Minister stressed that the government had also instructed agencies to improve public awareness and provide clearer explanations regarding the financing opportunities currently available to small businesses and informal traders.

He added that assistance provided through agencies such as Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) could also help reduce supply costs for essential goods, benefiting both traders and consumers amid persistent cost-of-living concerns.

“I see that most of them are grateful when they receive a RM10,000 loan.

“Some others still do not know about the opportunities available, which is why I asked agencies to go down personally and provide explanations,” he said.

Anwar said the government would continue prioritising support for small traders and microbusinesses, noting that hundreds of thousands of Malaysians depended on the sector as a key pillar of the people’s economy and grassroots livelihoods. - May 23, 2026