The government boosts SPUMI funding to RM50 million this year, supporting Indian community entrepreneurs as part of its ABCD capital access strategy.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has increased the allocation for the Indian Community Entrepreneur Financing Scheme (SPUMI) from RM30 million to RM50 million this year.
Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Steven Sim Chee Keong said this strengthens support for the Indian community’s business ecosystem.
The additional funding reflects the government’s commitment to expanding access to capital, aligning with the ministry’s ABCD strategy.
As of 2026, SPUMI has channelled RM4.089 million to 136 entrepreneurs from the Indian community nationwide.
“Through this initiative, the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development remains committed to providing broader access to capital,” Sim told a press conference.
He said the ministry will also mobilise 200 Wira KUSKOP volunteers in George Town, Penang for a programme coinciding with Thaipusam.
These volunteers, aged 17 to 30 from various backgrounds, will assist with crowd management and support senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities.
The ministry will provide free rest facilities at a main tent that can accommodate up to 200 people at a time.
These facilities are for frontline workers, senior citizens, mothers, children, persons with disabilities and devotees who are tired or unwell.
Nine agencies under KUSKOP are participating through service booths offering training, advisory services and entrepreneurship guidance.
The participating agencies include TEKUN Nasional, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, Bank Rakyat and SME Corp Malaysia.
