Ramanan: More funding being considered for Uyarvu Madani to help small Indian entrepreneurs

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the government will also examine other sources of financing, including collaboration through other agencies, to help more entrepreneurs expand their businesses. — Bernama pic

First Published: Tuesday, 27 Oct 2026 2:35 PM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 27 — The government, through the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA), will consider applying for additional funding to expand assistance to small entrepreneurs, particularly those in the B40 and M40 groups who are in need, through the Uyarvu Madani programme following the extraordinary response to applications for the programme.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the government will also examine other sources of financing, including collaboration through other agencies, to help more entrepreneurs expand their businesses.

“We received 8,368 applications for Uyarvu Madani, but we can only grant it to about 780 recipients. If the total number for Phase 1 and Phase 2 is taken into account, we might be able to help around 1,100 to 1,150 entrepreneurs.

“The over 8,000 applications that we have received are a significant number, and this clearly shows that many small entrepreneurs, including B40 entrepreneurs who are striving to advance, need this assistance,” he said at a press conference for the launch of the Harmoni Madani and Dharma Madani programmes here today.

Ramanan said that assistance through Uyarvu Madani is provided via grants, unlike the facilities through Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia and the Indian Community Entrepreneur Development Scheme (SPUMI) under Tekun Nasional, which are in the form of loans.

Therefore, he said, the selection of recipients will prioritise those who truly need assistance and don’t have access to loans, yet their businesses still have the potential to succeed.

He added that monitoring is also carried out to help recipients overcome any shortcomings or problems that arise in managing their businesses.

Uyarvu MADANI is one of six new initiatives under MITRA for 2026, involving a total allocation of RM65.5 million. — Bernama