MALAYSIA’S micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) contributed RM652.4 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) last year, employing 8.1 million people and cementing their role as the “driving force of the economy”, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In a speech read on his behalf by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail during the closing ceremony of the National Hawkers and Small Traders Day in Lurah Semantan, Anwar lauded MSMEs as “the people’s champions”, acknowledging their continuous contribution to national development.
“Those working in MSMEs are on the frontlines every day, from morning markets to night market traders, ensuring that people have access to food and necessities at affordable prices,” he said. “They embody the true spirit of the nation’s enterprise.”
At a separate event in Kuantan, Anwar underscored the federal government’s focus on developing key industrial sub-sectors in Pahang, particularly the chemical and petrochemical industries.
These sectors, he said, form part of Malaysia’s broader economic master plans that also prioritise automotive, heavy and medium industries, and food production.
“In the chemical and petrochemical sub-sector, the Malaysia Chemical Industry Roadmap 2030 outlines aspirations to drive the development of chemical products and the sector towards a competitive, high-technology and sustainable industrial ecosystem,” he said in a speech, also read by Wan Rosdy.
He added that the chemical and chemical products industry ranks among the top five manufacturing sectors by total trade value, representing 12.15 per cent of Malaysia’s total trade up to June 2025.
Anwar noted that Pahang had recorded RM17.43 billion in total investments as of September this year, surpassing its annual target of RM14.09 billion and generating over 11,000 jobs across various sectors.
The Prime Minister was due to make a working visit to Pahang but cancelled it following medical advice due to back pain restricting his movements. The Prime Minister’s Office said he extended his apologies, especially to the people of Pahang who had prepared to welcome him.
Meanwhile, reflecting on Malaysia’s leadership of ASEAN this year, Anwar said the nation had successfully steered the regional bloc “with confidence” amid global shifts.
In a Facebook post, he wrote: “Malaysia has revived dialogue, built new bridges and proven that the ASEAN spirit continues to thrive, guided by wisdom, rationality and shared purpose under the banner of unity and peace.”
He noted that the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur marked several milestones — from the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand to the signing of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement 3.0.
“The true strength of ASEAN lies in the loyalty, inclusivity and confidence among its members,” he said. “As this chairmanship passes to the Philippines, Malaysia looks back with gratitude. Not all deadlocks were broken, but every bold step has bent history toward hope and justice.”
Anwar also expressed appreciation to Malaysians for their patience and warmth in hosting regional partners during the country’s chairmanship. “The world has witnessed — this is the true face of Malaysia!” he said.
The three-day 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings, which concluded on 28 October, also saw Timor-Leste officially joining as ASEAN’s 11th member state. It was Malaysia’s fifth time chairing ASEAN, with the Philippines set to take the helm next year. - November 3, 2025
