Up to 80 pct M’sian MSMEs lack bank accounts, MDEC chairman highlights digital gap

KUCHING (Sept 7): Around 70 to 80 per cent of Malaysia’s 1.1 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) still do not have bank accounts, revealed Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) chairman Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh.

“This is a serious issue, but we are seeing progress as many micro-enterprises are transitioning to small businesses, with the goal of advancing further.

“We need to address how digital tools can help them improve their income and ensure security measures are in place,” he said.

He added that with the government’s commitment and collaboration between MDEC, SDEC (Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation), and other agencies, he believed that this digital gap can be closed.

Syed Ibrahim was speaking to reporters when met after the launch of the “Program Jelajah Saya Digital” (JSD) organised by MDEC at Plaza Merdeka here today.

The programme, which had entered its 78th edition, is aimed at bridging the digital divide, he said.

“This year, JSD has so far reached 17 locations, and by the end of this year, we aim to cover an additional six to seven locations,” he said.

“We aim to close the digital divide, enhance skills, and enable participants to generate income through digital platforms.

“There are already success stories, such as entrepreneurs from Bintulu and Miri, who have expanded their businesses using digital tools through MDEC’s eUsahawan programme.

“We hope they can inspire other entrepreneurs to achieve similar success. When we talk about bridging the gap, we mean closing the digital divide across all levels, from senior citizens to school students,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, who officiated at the JSD launch, said the initiative is not limited to urban areas but is also focused on rural villages, ensuring that everyone understands and benefits from digital advancements.

“Digitalisation is inevitable in today’s globalised world, and it’s essential that we raise awareness among the rural communities about the advantages of digital technology,” he told reporters after the launch.

Ugak said that the programme would continue to reach rural areas across Sarawak, including Bintulu, Miri, Kapit, and Belaga.

He pointed out that even senior citizens are showing keen interest in understanding digital technologies, highlighting the significant outreach this programme intends to achieve.

“We are working closely with SDEC to ensure no community is left behind. The goal is to empower even small business owners in these areas to improve their monthly income through digital means,” he said.

The JSD, which runs until tomorrow, also features Mobile Legends gaming sessions for school students and youth to engage them and ignite their interest in digital skills and potential career paths within the digital economy.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang and SDEC chief executive officer Sudarnoto Osman.