By Amar Shah Mohsen
SHAH ALAM, March 11 — The various initiatives announced by the Federal government during the recent Bumiputera Economic Congress (KEB) 2024 are set to boost their economy and close the income gap in Malaysia.
In a post on social media site X, Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the over 80 resolutions outlined during the three-day congress beginning February 29 are aimed at empowering the group.
This, he said, will be done without sidelining any groups.
“This policy (New Empowerment Agenda for Bumiputera) will progressively close the prosperity gap (in our country), without neglecting anyone,” he said last night.
In an accompanying video, Amirudin said the announcements by Putrajaya marked an important leap for the Bumiputera economy and showed the government’s commitment to assisting the group.
“We saw various major announcements made by Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim), including funds for Bumiputera entrepreneurs and microcredit loans.
“(All these) are to ensure the gaps between the different ethnic groups as well as the country’s poverty gap can be collectively addressed.”
At the closing ceremony of the KEB 2024 in Putrajaya on March 2, Anwar announced several new initiatives for the New Empowerment Agenda for Bumiputera.
Among others, he said the government will allocate funds amounting to RM1 billion to produce a new generation of Bumiputera entrepreneurs in high-growth sectors, to be managed by government-linked investment companies.
In addition, the prime minister announced the establishment of the Mara Madani Waqf Fund, supported by an initial grant of RM100 million, which aims to accumulate funds amounting to RM1 billion within two years.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has consented to become the patron of the waqf system, and the progress of this initiative will be reported to the Conference of Malay Rulers.
Anwar also announced that the government will allocate up to RM1 billion for the Bumiputera microcredit fund through development financial institutions, such as Bank Simpanan Nasional, Agrobank and Tekun Nasional.
This fund is aimed at supporting Bumiputera entrepreneurs, including women, youths and military veterans, as well as hawkers, gig workers, and food truck operators.
