Sabah Pours RM950.78mn Into 44,059 Entrepreneurs as of September 2026

Sabah has channelled RM950.78mn in financing to 44,059 entrepreneurs and cooperatives as of September 2026, via the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (KUSKOP) and its agencies.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the figure reflects the government's continued commitment to widening financing access and supporting the growth and competitiveness of local businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Datuk Hajiji delivered the message in a speech read on his behalf at the opening of the Sabah State Level 2026 Great Malaysia Business Carnival at Lintasan Deasoka. Datuk Ewon Benedick, Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, delivered the remarks.

What do Sabah's entrepreneurs actually need?

The Chief Minister backed KUSKOP's approach under the Enhancing Malaysian Business (HPM) initiative, which targets comprehensive entrepreneur development beyond financing alone.

"Entrepreneurs not only need financing, but also training, technology, increased productivity, easier application processes and access to a wider market," Datuk Hajiji said.

He wants more local entrepreneurs and companies to go digital, raise productivity and innovate while pushing into national and international markets.

How does the funding fit the state's development plan?

The ecosystem push aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 Development Plan covering 2026 to 2030. That plan zeroes in on economic competitiveness, productivity and added value across the state.

Datuk Hajiji also welcomed KUSKOP's reforms of bureaucratic processes, simpler procedures and shorter application processing times. The logic is practical: business owners should spend their hours developing businesses and finding customers, not wrestling with paperwork that could be simplified.

The state government says it stands ready to keep working with KUSKOP and its agencies so federal programmes match the needs of Sabah's business community.

What else is in the pipeline?

The support extends well beyond the RM950.78mn already disbursed. Sabah backs local enterprises through the SME-UP Assistance Programme, which aims to strengthen capacity, productivity and competitiveness.

The state is also opening doors for local products in new markets, with a focus on five sectors:

• Food and beverage
• Agriculture
• Tourism
• Handicrafts
• Locally sourced products

Datuk Hajiji pointed to entrepreneurship development through innovation and technology, alongside rural product development and skills training. He said these initiatives could help more entrepreneurs — especially young people and rural communities — sharpen their skills, add value to their products and explore new economic opportunities.

He also welcomed Malaysia's Budget 2027, citing its emphasis on MSME development, improved access to financing and lower costs of doing business.

What did the Chief Minister ask of businesses?

Datuk Hajiji called for closer cooperation between state and federal governments to help more Sabah entrepreneurs grow and establish themselves as local business leaders. He urged businesses to make use of the HPM Carnival's offerings, including financing consultations, digital training and business matching run by KUSKOP agencies and state strategic partners.

His advice to companies was blunt: look beyond existing markets, and improve packaging, branding and product consistency to stay competitive.

Datuk Hajiji expressed confidence that collaboration among the state and federal governments, financial institutions, the private sector and the business community would help more local enterprises grow and reach international markets.