SAMENTA Welcomes Bold and Inclusive RMK13
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1, 2025 — The Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (SAMENTA) has welcomed the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, praising it as a bold, future-focused blueprint that places value creation, digital transformation, and inclusivity at the heart of Malaysia’s development agenda.
In a statement, SAMENTA lauded the plan’s emphasis on high-growth, high-value (HGHV) industries, artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, and Malaysia’s positioning as a regional hub for technology and innovation. The association also expressed strong support for the government’s push for “Made by Malaysia” products and services, and the broader shift toward a value-based economy.
“For SMEs, which make up over 97% of Malaysian businesses, RMK13 presents significant opportunities,” said SAMENTA National President Datuk William Ng.
He pointed to key initiatives such as the National AI Policy 2030, increased investment in research and development (R&D&C&I), stronger support for technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and the scaling up of SMEs in key sectors including halal, agritech, and logistics.
Datuk Ng commended the Prime Minister for recognising the critical role SMEs play in national growth.
“The inclusion of SME scaling as a core pillar of RMK13 shows a deep understanding of our ecosystem and the challenges we face,” he said.
“The Prime Minister’s call for productivity, innovation, and stronger public-private collaboration aligns well with our ambitions to move from being mere suppliers to global market players.”
However, SAMENTA cautioned that effective implementation is key to ensuring the success of RMK13.
The association warned that current labour reforms—though well-intentioned—could place unsustainable pressure on SMEs if not properly sequenced and supported.
Among the measures raising concern are the increased minimum wage to RM1,700, stricter controls on foreign labour, the introduction of the Multi-tier Levy System, and new compliance requirements under the e-Masco portal. “These changes, if rolled out simultaneously without transition support, will significantly increase costs and regulatory burdens for smaller firms,” said Ng.
SAMENTA called on the government to adopt a tripartite approach involving employers, workers, and the government in shaping labour reforms.
The association stressed the need to link wage increases to productivity, enhance support for automation, and allow greater flexibility in managing workforce performance and size.
“Without these reforms, many SMEs—particularly in labour-intensive sectors—risk being squeezed, leading to job losses and declining competitiveness,” Ng warned.
He added that SAMENTA remains committed to working with the government to ensure RMK13 is successfully implemented.
“Let’s ensure good policies do not become unintended barriers. Instead, let’s create an economy where SMEs can thrive, innovate, and generate quality jobs for all Malaysians.”
