KUSKOP continues grassroots efforts to strengthen MSMEs, cooperatives and local entrepreneurs in the wholesale and retail trade sector.
NIBONG TEBAL: The government will continue its grassroots initiatives through the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP) to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), cooperatives and local entrepreneurs in the wholesale and retail trade sector.
Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the initiative would be implemented through various programmes involving MSMEs and cooperatives to support Malaysian businesses in tapping into the sector’s growth.
He said data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) showed that the wholesale and retail trade sector continued to grow, recording a sales value of almost RM175 billion in April 2026, an increase of 15.3% compared with the same period last year.
“This shows that the wholesale and retail trade sector continues to grow rapidly, driven by strong domestic demand. I believe this development is the result of joint efforts by the government and the private sector in reducing the cost of living, stabilising the prices of goods and increasing workers’ incomes.
“We will continue KUSKOP’s efforts to go to the ground, not only with MSMEs and cooperatives, but also in supporting Malaysian businesses so that they too can enjoy this sector’s growth, thereby boosting the people’s economy,” he said after the Jualan MADANI KUSKOP (JMK) programme for the Jawi state constituency at Taman Bukit Panchor here today.
Sim, who is also the Bukit Mertajam Member of Parliament, said that despite global challenges such as tariff wars, trade wars and geopolitical conflicts affecting the global economy, Malaysia continues to show encouraging economic growth.
He said that as a country practising an open economy, Malaysia is exposed to global economic uncertainties, but continuous efforts by the government, together with the private sector and the community, have ensured that domestic trade activities continue to grow.
“The positive development also provides opportunities for local MSMEs, cooperatives and small entrepreneurs to expand their markets, build new customer bases and strengthen participation in the local economic chain,” he said.
Sim said the government is committed to ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are enjoyed comprehensively, particularly by local entrepreneurs, who are key drivers of the national economy.
