PENAMPANG: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) will focus on helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) transition into the digital economy, including adopting the e-Invoice system.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said digital tools are no longer optional but essential for business resilience.
“We want to see MSMEs adapting to digital tools, including e-Invoice, as part of their business operations under the 13th Malaysia Plan,” he said.
He made the remarks during the launch of the Madani Entrepreneurs Seminar: e-Invoice organised by the National Entrepreneurship Institute (Insken) at Penampang Cultural Hall, here, on Tuesday.
The seminar is part of a 23-stop nationwide tour targeting 20,000 entrepreneurs, aimed at promoting awareness and adoption of the e-Invoice platform.
“So far, over 11,000 entrepreneurs have taken part in the sessions, showing strong interest and readiness.
“Entrepreneurs want to understand what e-Invois is and how it can be integrated into their daily business and we are responding to that need,” he said.
He said Insken and SME Corp are working with the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) to expand outreach and ensure businesses are ready before implementation.
Ewon emphasised that future policies under 13MP would also support inclusive business (IB) and social enterprise (SE) models to ensure that development benefits are more evenly distributed.
“Inclusive business and social enterprise models will be given more focus as we strengthen the entrepreneurial landscape under 13MP,” he said.
He also assured that Sabah and Sarawak would not be left behind in federal initiatives, citing programmes like Tamu Desa, targeted financing schemes for rural traders and special grants for Bumiputera entrepreneurs in Borneo.
“We want entrepreneurs and cooperatives in Sabah to feel included in national policies, that’s why we design initiatives specific to Borneo’s needs.
“One-size-fits-all approaches don’t work. Local business challenges require local strategies,” he stressed.
Speaking to the media after the seminar, Ewon welcomed the appointment of Insken’s new CEO from Sabah, calling it a reflection of confidence in East Malaysians to lead national agencies.
“I want to see our Sabahan CEO prove that East Malaysians can also lead federal agencies with excellence.
“It’s not where you’re from, it’s your commitment, vision and capacity to serve the country,” he said.
Also present were Insken Board of Trustees Chairman Mustaffa Kamil Ayub, Insken Chief Executive Officer Viviantie Sarjuni, board members and agency heads under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives.
