LUNDU: MARA’s DANAnita financing scheme, dedicated to women entrepreneurs, has benefited 10 women in Sarawak so far this year under a RM1-million allocation for the state.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Rubiah Wang, said the scheme is among several MARA initiatives specifically designed to support Bumiputera women in business.
She was officiating at the launch of the MARA Women and Community Empowerment Programme 2026 in Lundu on Saturday (June 27), themed ‘Wanita & Komuniti Memperkasa Keusahawanan’ (Women & Communities Empower Entrepreneurship).
Rubiah said 229 women entrepreneurs nationwide have received a combined RM11.1 million in financing, business development grants and entrepreneurship training from MARA.
She said MARA’s Women and Community Empowerment Action Plan 2025-2030, launched in Kuching in December 2024, outlines 17 strategic initiatives to strengthen women’s roles in entrepreneurship, education, leadership and community development.
The plan focuses on expanding women’s access to skills training, business financing and digital platforms to market their products.
“Women now make up a significant share of Malaysia’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, with more than 242,000 women entrepreneurs involved across various industries,” she said.
Rubiah called on women entrepreneurs to remain resilient and committed in facing business challenges.
