Deputy Minister urges SKM to streamline cooperative aid applications and cut bureaucracy

During the 2026 Kedah Cooperative Movement Appreciation Ceremony in Alor Setar, Deputy Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin warned that applications for government-backed business development grants and revolving capital financing are still low. He urged the Co-operative Societies Commission of Malaysia (SKM) to provide clearer guidance and cut bureaucratic hurdles so cooperatives can more easily access available funds.

The minister presented RM1.9 million in assistance to 15 cooperatives and an additional RM200,000 to a separate cooperative for expansion. He also noted extra support for cooperatives involved in food security and agriculture. Alamin encouraged cooperatives to move beyond member welfare and focus on sustainable, profit-driven activities, and called on SKM to offer proactive consultancy and early-stage problem-solving services.