Malaysia aims for 25,000 SMEs to go digital in two years

The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDAC) aims to help 25,000 SMEs country-wide to go digital within one to two years, in a move to ensure their survival post-pandemic. 

The ministry expects to see the multiplier effect from various programmes conducted by its agencies, with the most recent one being its dedicated delivery service programme, which supplies delivery riders with a start up kit consisting of delivery bags and uniforms worth RM250 (USD$62). Under the programme, the ministry subsidises 70% of the cost of the kit. 

MEDAC targets to have some 5,000 delivery riders joining the programme, which would be set up in all parliamentary constituencies nation-wide. With this, it aims to generate employment opportunities among the youth, and help hawker entrepreneurs and small traders in utilising delivery services.  

READ: SMEs can now apply for financing of up to RM$500,000: Malaysia’s central bank

“The programme not only aims to provide job opportunities but also enables these riders to serve as peer-to-peer counsellors who would significantly help create the awareness and assist in the migration process of [local] businesses from traditional to digital,” Minister Datuk Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said.

“I think it is possible for one rider to potentially engage with five small businesses, and help explain and assist them on how to get onboard with the digitalisation process,” he added.