MSME Contributes RM652.4 billion to National Economy in 2024 – Ewon Benedick
PUTRAJAYA, 13 August 2025 — Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, has praised and highlighted the encouraging performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in 2024, which recorded a growth rate of 5.8 percent, contributing RM652.4 billion to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“MSME exports saw an impressive increase of 31.3 percent, accounting for 14.3 percent of Malaysia’s total exports, and also employed 8.1 million workers, a 3.1 percent increase compared to the previous year.
“This has raised MSMEs’ contribution to national employment to 48.7 percent, reflecting the sector’s resilience amid global uncertainties and economic challenges,” he addressed this during the Ministry’s assembly with KUSKOP officers and agencies at Menara Kembar Bank Rakyat here today.
The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) has achieved significant milestones in 2025 through its ongoing efforts to develop entrepreneurs and cooperatives, with a strong focus on capacity building, access to financing, market expansion, technological adaptation, and business infrastructure enhancement.
Meanwhile, touching on the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), Ewon said KUSKOP is set to take on a central role in the plan with a focus on transitioning Malaysia’s economy towards value creation and economic diversification, in line with the government’s long-term development goals.
“In this context, KUSKOP will spearhead the priority area of Scaling Up Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), to nurture local business entities that are innovative and competitive, both domestically and globally,” he said.
In addition to supporting MSMEs, KUSKOP will also play a strategic role in advancing the Empowerment of the Third Sector, which includes Social Enterprises (SEs), Inclusive Businesses (IBs), and Cooperatives, he added.
“These entities will be directly involved in ensuring the Third Sector becomes a key driver of inclusive and sustainable social and economic growth,” said Ewon.
He emphasised the importance of active participation from all departments and agencies under KUSKOP in ensuring that the ministry’s role in RMK13 is effectively realised.
“I urge all KUSKOP personnel and agencies to give their fullest commitment so that the benefits of this national development plan can be enjoyed by all stakeholders across the entrepreneurial and cooperative ecosystem,” he added.
KUSKOP’s involvement in RMK13 is expected to further intensify its mission to uplift entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and social enterprises, aligning with the broader objectives of the MADANI Economic Framework.
Datuk Ewon Benedick also expressed his deep appreciation to all KUSKOP staff and affiliated agencies for their unwavering commitment to ensuring that all initiatives and support reach their intended beneficiaries effectively.
“These achievements did not come easily. They are the result of hard work, teamwork, and dedication from everyone involved.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all KUSKOP personnel and agency teams across the country,” he said.
The Minister noted that these accomplishments reaffirm KUSKOP’s vital role in driving inclusive development of entrepreneurs and cooperatives, in line with the nation’s MADANI vision.
Photo Credit — Puan Marryan (SUA)
