# Govt aims to empower MSMEs and local traders

> Malaysian government targets MSMEs and local traders to share economic growth through new initiatives.
- Title: Govt aims to empower MSMEs and local traders · Malay Mail
- Summary: Malaysian government targets MSMEs and local traders to share economic growth through new initiatives. Malaysia's government plans to empower MSMEs and local…
- Keywords: malaysia, msme, local traders, economic growth, cabinet committee, jom malaysia, confest 2026, news, world, Govt, aims, empower
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/20/govt-aims-to-empower-msmes-and-local-traders-to-share-in-economic-growth-armizan-says/235825
- Published: 2026-09-20T09:44:40+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: malaysia, msme, local traders, economic growth, cabinet committee, jom malaysia, confest 2026, news, world
## Government aims to empower MSMEs
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali says the government wants to empower micro, small and medium enterprises and local traders to become key contributors to national economic growth.
## Economic growth gap noted
Malaysia’s gross domestic product grew 3.7 per cent in 2023, 5.1 per cent in 2024 and 5.2 per cent in 2025 under the Madani government, with 6 per cent growth in 2026 as of second quarter.
## Grassroots gap concerns
Armizan says there are views that a gap exists between the country’s economic growth and conditions at the grassroots level, prompting the government to empower MSMEs and traders.
## Strong domestic demand
Strong domestic demand and sustained household spending are key factors supporting consistent economic growth, with local products becoming an important component.
## Cabinet Committee established
The Cabinet Committee on Empowering the Use and Purchase of Local Products was formed on July 15, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof with Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry as secretariat.
## Jom Malaysia Festival
The four-day Jom Malaysia Festival Penang, running from Sept 17 to Sept 20, features RAHMAH Madani sales, local product booths, government agency exhibitions and the 2026 Consumer Festival.
## Next steps for MSMEs
The committee will examine challenges faced by MSMEs, including online platform goods influx, to foster economic patriotism and build confidence in Malaysian products.
## Key takeaway

Malaysia's government plans to empower MSMEs and local traders to boost economic growth via a Cabinet Committee on Empowering the Use and Purchase of Local Products.