Image credit: The Malaysian Reserve
The SME Association of Malaysia has urged the government to establish a ministry solely dedicated to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), citing the need to end fragmented policy oversight and accelerate nationwide SME development.
“MSMEs contribute close to 40% of Malaysia’s GDP and require focused leadership and streamlined policy execution rather than scattered programmes and unclear governance structures,” the Association said in a statement, endorsing MP Lee Chean Chung’s proposal.
Currently, MSMEs face oversight from multiple ministries, including MITI, MOHR, MATRADE, MDEC, MOF, BSN and the Ministry of Digital.
The Association highlighted that this dispersed structure forces entrepreneurs to navigate overlapping guidelines and multiple approval channels, hampering business expansion, digital transformation and export growth.
A dedicated MSME ministry would consolidate policymaking, centralise support services, reduce bureaucracy and ensure grants, incentives and development programmes are delivered with greater clarity and speed.
The move would also provide a structured platform for continuous engagement between government and industry bodies, ensuring policies reflect operational realities and enhance competitiveness.
The Association emphasised that SME Corp Malaysia should remain as the implementation engine under the new ministry, with its expertise and networks strengthened rather than dismantled.
“The SME Association of Malaysia stands ready to engage, advise and support the development of this new ministry if the government moves forward. This reform is not only timely but also essential for Malaysia’s post-pandemic economic recovery and long-term competitiveness,” the statement added.
Source: https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2025/12/09/sme-association-calls-for-dedicated-ministry-to-drive-small-business-growth/

