Steven Sim Chee Keong: Over RM906 Million Disbursed Under DEWI to Empower 106,000 Women Entrepreneurs
BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Dana Ekonomi Usahawan Wanita (DEWI) initiative continues to show strong progress, with more than RM906 million disbursed to 106,100 women entrepreneurs nationwide since its introduction last month.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the programme is a key government effort to expand women’s participation in entrepreneurship, supported by a total funding pool of RM3 billion.
The initiative is carried out through four main agencies: Tekun Nasional, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, Bank Rakyat and SME Bank.
Targeted Funding Distribution
Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia has received the largest allocation of about RM2.7 billion, focusing on micro-entrepreneurs including home-based businesses.
So far, RM880 million has been disbursed through the agency, offering financing of up to RM30,000 per applicant.
Meanwhile, Bank Rakyat provides financing of up to RM1 million under its BizLady-i scheme, with RM4.5 million already distributed.
Support from Other Financial Institutions
SME Bank offers financing of up to RM3 million through its SME Lady 2.0 programme, with nearly RM5.5 million disbursed so far.
Tekun Nasional has channelled around RM16 million from its RM20 million allocation, targeting Bumiputera entrepreneurs.
Encouragement to Utilise Available Funds
Despite more than RM900 million being disbursed, approximately 70 per cent of the total funding remains unused.
The government is encouraging more women entrepreneurs to take advantage of these opportunities to expand their businesses and strengthen their financial stability.
Driving Women’s Economic Empowerment
Launched on March 5, the DEWI initiative aims to nurture a new generation of competitive and resilient women entrepreneurs.
It reflects the government’s commitment to building a more inclusive economy by enhancing women’s participation in the business sector.
-wilayah.com.my
