TERAJU Approves RM134 Million Financing for 143 Bumiputera Companies in Northern Region
BUTTERWORTH: The Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (TERAJU) has approved nearly RM134 million in financing for 143 Bumiputera companies across the northern states of Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak, underscoring growing confidence among local entrepreneurs and the government’s commitment to strengthening Bumiputera economic participation.
The financing approvals, granted through various TERAJU funding programmes between December 1, 2024 and May 31 this year, formed part of a broader initiative aimed at expanding business opportunities and enhancing the competitiveness of Bumiputera enterprises in the region.
Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Mohd. Shahar Abdullah said a total of 260 Bumiputera companies from the northern region had applied for the financing schemes during the period, with 143 companies successfully securing approval.
He described the figures as an encouraging sign of growing optimism among Bumiputera entrepreneurs, who are increasingly seeking support to expand operations, invest in new ventures and strengthen their market position.
“For me, these numbers carry a very positive message. They reflect the increasing confidence among Bumiputera entrepreneurs to grow and take their businesses to the next level,” he said.
Mohd. Shahar was speaking at the TERAJU Aspirasi Outreach Penang 2026 programme held at the PICCA Convention Centre, Butterworth Arena, here today.
The event was officiated by Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr. Mohamad Abdul Hamid and attended by TERAJU Chief Executive Officer Junady Nawawi, industry players, financial institutions and entrepreneurs from across the northern region.
Mohd. Shahar said the government remained committed to ensuring Bumiputera businesses continue to receive comprehensive support, particularly in areas such as financing, capacity building and strategic partnerships.
According to him, consistent efforts to empower Bumiputera enterprises have produced tangible outcomes over the years, especially through collaborations involving regional economic corridors and private sector stakeholders.
He revealed that since 2016, TERAJU, through its strategic collaboration under the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), has supported 61 Bumiputera projects involving investments exceeding RM1 billion.
The projects were further strengthened by Facilitation Fund assistance amounting to RM132.71 million, which has helped create nearly 3,000 job opportunities for people in the northern region.
“These achievements prove that Bumiputera development initiatives, when implemented consistently, can deliver meaningful economic impact and create sustainable opportunities for the community.
“They also demonstrate the enormous potential of Bumiputera companies in the northern states, which must continue to be nurtured and empowered,” he said.
Mohd. Shahar added that strengthening Bumiputera participation in the economy remains one of the government’s priorities, particularly in ensuring businesses are equipped to compete in an increasingly dynamic and challenging environment.
The programme also witnessed the signing of strategic memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between TERAJU and two major corporations, namely Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MRT Corp) and MMC Engineering Sdn. Bhd. (MMC).
The collaborations are expected to create new opportunities for Bumiputera companies to participate in major infrastructure and engineering projects while enhancing their involvement in industrial supply chains.
Meanwhile, Junady said the TERAJU Aspirasi Outreach Penang 2026 programme serves as a direct engagement platform aimed at bringing Bumiputera economic empowerment initiatives closer to entrepreneurs at the state level.
He said the nationwide outreach series was designed to connect entrepreneurs with government agencies, banking institutions, strategic partners and industry players, enabling them to explore financing opportunities, build networks and scale up their businesses.
“Our commitment is to ensure that Bumiputera economic empowerment opportunities are brought directly to the northern region and not concentrated solely at the national level,” he said.
Junady expressed hope that more Bumiputera entrepreneurs would seize the opportunities provided by TERAJU to strengthen their businesses and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable economic growth for Malaysia.
