Malaysia’s Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (Kuskop), through SME Corp Malaysia, launched the Sinar programme on June 7, 2026, to provide RM205 million in financial support to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country [1]. The programme includes three loan schemes offering financing up to RM5 million at profit or interest rates between 3% and 5% annually, administered via partners MIDF, microLEAP PLT, and Funding Societies [1].
Sinar also introduces the Inclusive Business Scaling Programme, granting capacity-building funds covering up to 90% of costs to help SMEs integrate inclusive communities into supply chains and develop micro-enterprise skills [1]. MSMEs only need to obtain MSME Status certification to qualify for financing, with a 50% discount on applications available from June through August 31, 2026 [1].
Minister Steven Sim said the government aims to ensure entrepreneurs have access to financing and support to survive and grow amid global economic uncertainty. He stated, “Through Sinar, we aim to ensure that entrepreneurs have access to the financing and support they need to survive, grow, and create employment opportunities” [1].
The launch coincided with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s official Tokyo visit from June 8 to 10, 2026, which Kuskop leveraged to promote internationalisation of Malaysian MSMEs and expansion into the Japanese market [2]. Malaysian participation at FOODEX Japan 2026 included 31 local companies and cooperatives generating RM350.8 million in total sales, surpassing the RM80 million sales target [2]. This participation led to the signing of four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and two memoranda of agreement (MoAs) between Malaysian and international partners [2].
Minister Steven Sim highlighted the success, saying, “The success proves that Malaysian products and enterprises can compete at the highest level internationally. Our next challenge is to help more local companies expand beyond domestic borders and establish a stronger regional and global presence” [2].
In addition, the Bank Rakyat BizMatch programme will facilitate collaboration between Malaysian and Japanese entrepreneurs during the Nikkei Forum Future of Asia 2026, further strengthening bilateral trade opportunities [2].
