Budget 2027: Government earmarks RM60m for Matrade, RM1b to boost MSME exports

The Malaysian government has allocated a substantial budget for the fiscal year 2027 to bolster the country's external trade capabilities and promote the export of goods and services from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that RM60 million will be provided to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) to enhance local companies' capacity to enter and diversify their overseas markets.

In addition to this, the Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB) will prepare an impressive RM1 billion fund to assist local MSMEs in exploring the global export market. Anwar further revealed that the federal government, in collaboration with the KWAP civil servants' pension fund, will establish a RM50 million UNIVC fund to connect universities' research with the market. The government will also bear the initial risk to encourage more private capital to support local innovations.

The government's commitment to nurturing local businesses extends to e-commerce, as evidenced by the RM142 million allocated for the NADI platform. This platform has already proven successful for many young entrepreneurs, such as coffee entrepreneur Azmi Warisan from Kampung Sungai Leman, Selangor, who reported an 80% increase in revenue or RM240,000 after utilizing NADI.

To further support rural products and high-value services, RM10 million will be set aside for JOM Malaysia, which aims to bring these offerings to digital platforms and overseas markets. In support of the low-altitude economy, such as those involving drones, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) will invest RM50 million in developing a digital system for managing airspace, national testing sites, and safety standards.