KUSKOP invites senators to submit lists of struggling cooperatives for review, pledging transparent assistance and faster financing for MSMEs.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (KUSKOP) is ready to receive complaints and lists of cooperatives facing difficulties in accessing government assistance.
Deputy Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the ministry guarantees no community or small cooperative will be left behind in obtaining support.
He made the pledge when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill (Budget) 2026 for KUSKOP in the Dewan Negara.
Ramanan was responding to Senator Hussin Ismail, who highlighted community cooperatives struggling due to small capital and limited management.
“If there are cooperatives that truly have not received assistance or are facing problems in the disbursement process, I ask the Senator to submit the list to me,” said Ramanan.
He added that he would personally review any submitted lists to ensure cooperatives are not neglected.
The move reflects the ministry’s commitment to improving the cooperative assistance system and strengthening governance.
Ramanan noted the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM) provides various support schemes for community cooperatives.
These include a collateral-free revolving capital fund of up to RM200,000 and matching grants of up to RM300,000.
He said closer monitoring is being implemented to ensure funds are used responsibly by the cooperatives.
“These funds belong to cooperative members, so we must ensure they are properly channelled and monitored,” he explained.
The ministry also aims to simplify processes so new or community cooperatives are not hindered from growing.
Besides cooperatives, KUSKOP is enhancing the financing application process for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
This is being done through digitalisation, reduced documentation and shorter approval periods across all agencies.
TEKUN Nasional now requires only four documents and approves applications within seven working days.
Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) has sped up financing approvals to 16 working days via its digital platform.
SME Bank has introduced online applications, while Bank Rakyat has reduced SME financing approval to 14 days.
Perbadanan Nasional Bhd (Pernas) uses an end-to-end digital financing system.
The Contractor Service Centre (PKK) has shortened approval times from 34 days to 26 days.
“Our focus is to ensure entrepreneurs and cooperatives receive assistance more quickly, more transparently, and without burdensome bureaucracy,” Ramanan said.
