The Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Steven Sim Chee Keong said that a total of RM121 million in financing has been disbursed by Bank Rakyat to 150 entrepreneurs in Johor during the first four months of this year as an effort to strengthen the resilience and growth of SMEs in the state.
He stated that the figure indicates a continued high demand for business financing, especially among SMEs facing rising operating costs and global economic uncertainty.
“Entrepreneurs today need more than just capital. They need guidance, market access, business networks and continuous support to grow more sustainably and competitively.
“Bank Rakyat has proven that financial institutions can play a greater role as facilitators of growth and catalysts for entrepreneurial success,” he said after visiting the Bank Rakyat Branch and Bank Rakyat Business Banking Centre in Johor Bahru on 7th June 2026.
During the same visit, he also delivered a total financing of RM1.53 million to three entrepreneurs in Johor, including RM1 million to Diesel Truck Sdn. Bhd. through BR Prosper-i; RM500,000 to Perintis Petrol Station through BRPlus-i; and RM25,000 to Ho Jin Yuan through BRJohorNiaga.
He added that the disbursed financing would help entrepreneurs increase operational capacity, explore new market opportunities, create job prospects and contribute to local economic growth.
The working visit was also held in conjunction with the Malaysia Business Enhancement Carnival (HPM) 2026 which took place at Angsana Mall Johor Bahru from 5th to 7th June 2026. The carnival brought together various entrepreneur development initiatives including entrepreneurship training, business matching sessions, financing access and promotion of local products.
