Perkemas akses kemudahan, pembiayaan untuk usahawan Bumiputera

Several initiatives to boost the Bumiputra economy were announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, including a RM1 billion fund and increasing the National Small Business Corporation's financing to RM500 million. (Picture Bernama) The Belanja 2027 must be followed by more effective access to ensure businesses do not get left behind and are not scattered from opportunities and facilities provided.

Azamanizam Baharon, President of Malaysian Malay Merchants and Businessmen Association (Perdasama), said this is because issues in accessing financing, contract opportunities, and facilities for Bumiputra micro, small, and medium enterprises (PMKS) are still prevalent despite three budget cycles. He noted that while celebrating the Prime Minister's announcement, especially his commitment to strengthening the Bumiputra development and empowerment agenda, the success of a budget cannot solely be measured by its quantity but how accessible it is.

He added that the government should consider a mechanism to coordinate access to the initiatives through engagement with trade associations directly linked to businesses on the ground. The mechanism should focus on three main things: clear access, monitoring and accountability, including measuring the real impact. Each initiative should come with eligibility guidelines, required documents, application channels, officers or reference centers, and a reasonable processing timeline.

Applicants should also receive confirmation of acceptance, status information, and explanatory statements if their application is not approved. In the Belanja 2027 announcement, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim unveiled several initiatives to strengthen the Bumiputra economy, such as raising the government's share for G1-G4 Bumiputra contractors to RM7.5 billion (up from RM4 billion this year), providing RM1 billion in financing through the Teraju Fund, and increasing Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad's financing to RM500 million.

Additionally, the initiative includes targeting government-linked companies (GLCs) and Petronas RM58 billion from Bumiputra companies and a RM250 million Ciptawan Fund to support the growth of small Bumiputra companies. Azamanizam urged ministries, departments, financial institutions, and approximately 80 agencies involved in Bumiputra development to play a more proactive and responsive role according to the actual needs of businesses.

He emphasized that overcoming financing access issues must be taken seriously with clearer and more effective support. Businesses, which work to pay workers' salaries, bear operational costs, secure customers, repay financing commitments, and ensure the business continues to survive in an increasingly challenging environment, often face difficulties in obtaining appropriate assistance and financing.

When access to support and financing becomes difficult to obtain, some businesses may resort to higher-cost or riskier alternative financing sources.