PUTRAJAYA: The Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) has spent RM15.46 billion for the purpose of entrepreneur development from the First Malaysia Plan (RMKe-1) to the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (RMKe-12).
Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that throughout Mara's 58-year establishment, it has played its role as a socioeconomic engineering agency to benefit over one million entrepreneurs.
"This funding has benefited over 1.2 million Bumiputera entrepreneurs nationwide. Currently, it is estimated that more than 50,000 active entrepreneurs are receiving assistance from Mara," he said in his officiating speech at the Mara Entrepreneur Awards Ceremony here.
Zahid added that Mara has the responsibility to realise entrepreneur development, business development, and supporting facilities encompassing business financing, business premises, and business advisory services.
He said that 15 Mara entrepreneurs who participated in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) in Dubai successfully recorded sales totalling RM137 million. Hence, he pledged to bring entrepreneurs to Mihas in Shanghai next year to showcase their products.
"In fact, I have planned, together with the Mara chairman and director-general, as well as Matrade, as Malaysia will be the ASEAN chair next year, to bring you to showcase your products at the Asean-GCC-China Summit, which will be held mid-year.
"I also want entrepreneurs nurtured by Mara to showcase their products at the Mihas summit in Asean," he said.
Zahid also congratulated Mara for its Dananita financing scheme, specifically designed for Bumiputera women entrepreneurs, which recently received the High-Impact Project Outcome Assessment Award from the Chief Secretary to the Government during the National Development Awards organised by the Prime Minister's Department.
"Due to these continuous successes, the government has no hesitation in continuing to support Mara's role in Bumiputera entrepreneur development and empowerment, with a budget allocation of RM485 million for 2025," he added.
He also urged entrepreneurs, particularly those in the SME industry, to enhance digital efficiency, diversify products and services, practise sound financial management, and improve skills and knowledge to remain competitive.
Fifteen Mara-guided entrepreneurs were recognised and honoured during the Mara Entrepreneur Awards.
The awards are held biennially to celebrate the excellence of Bumiputera entrepreneurs in various sectors. This year saw an increase in participation, with 596 nominations from 14 states compared to 247 nominations in 2022.