LOCAL NEWS
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LOCAL NEWS
@ AGROBiz | May-June. 2026
Funding access for hawkers
ABOUT 700,000 registered hawkers nationwide are expected to benefit from Agrobank ' s Agro Penjaja-i initiative, which aims to strengthen the small trader ecosystem through financing and business support services.
The initiative, launched in Putrajaya on May 13, was officiated by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu.
Mohamad said the introduction of Agro Penjaja-i reflected the MADANI government ' s commitment to supporting hawkers and entrepreneurs facing mounting challenges brought on by the current global energy crisis.
Speaking after the launch, Agrobank president and chief executive officer Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said the programme was designed to help hawkers improve their businesses through easier access to funding, savings facilities and financial advisory support.
" We also provide loans between RM5,000 and RM100,000 to help hawkers expand their businesses, buy equipment and strengthen their businesses in the future.
" We also provide hibah or profit on savings in Agro Penjaja-i accounts and are protected by takaful as low as RM10 a year," he said during a press conference.
Under the initiative, hawkers can also benefit from a special " green lane " service for Ar-Rahnu processing of up to RM300,000, in addition to special savings returns offered through the programme.
Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah said applicants must be registered with both hawker associations and local authorities before approvals or business licences can be issued.
He mentioned: " Approval will be made based on the hawkers ' ability to pay and their own needs, even if they also receive funding from government agencies such as Tekun Nasional."
He added that Agrobank would also provide free advisory services and one-on-one guidance for three months to help traders improve their financial planning and marketing.
NEW LIFELINE FOR HAWKERS: The initiative offers financing, advisory services and digital financial management support to help hawkers strengthen their businesses.( Photo by: Agrobank)
New opportunities from Algeria
MALAYSIAN companies have been urged to broaden their involvement in Algeria ' s food and agricultural sector, with greater emphasis on integrated halal and food-processing solutions rather than on palm oil exports.
Malaysia ' s Ambassador to Algeria, Rizany Irwan Muhamad Mazlan, said the North African nation offered significant opportunities for Malaysian businesses, particularly as Algeria ' s food manufacturing and distribution industry continues to expand.
He said this was reflected in the relatively small Malaysian presence at the recent Djazagro international agrofood trade fair in Algiers, where participation was limited mainly to palm oil-related companies.
" Malaysian companies should offer integrated food solutions, combining packaging technology, halal-certified additives, and automated processing machinery to compete with European companies," Rizany told Bernama.
Rizany also said that Malaysia ' s internationally recognised halal certification standards under the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia( Jakim) could provide local businesses with an added advantage as Algeria continues to expand its domestic food production and distribution network.
Malaysia ' s representation at the exhibition included the Malaysian Palm Oil Council( MPOC) and four palm oil companies, while the event drew 700 exhibitors from 28 countries, with foreign participants accounting for 73 per cent of the total.
He said a networking session organised by the Malaysian Embassy revealed strong interest from Algerian industry players, with 58 trade bodies and companies involved in food imports, manufacturing and processing engaging with only four Malaysian suppliers.
Rizany said: " This suggests Malaysian industry is underutilising its potential. Our future participation must move beyond a palm oil-only focus."
He added that Malaysia should aim to secure participation from at least 15 companies at the 2027 edition of Djazagro, particularly in sectors such as bakery, retail, and industrial frying.
According to Rizany, Malaysia could also improve its competitiveness against European players by combining halal consultancy services with the export of food ingredients, machinery, and processing technologies.
- @ AGROBiz
TRADE OPPORTUNITIES: Industry representatives gathered at the Djazagro trade fair, which attracted exhibitors from 28 countries.( Photo by: Embassy of Malaysia in Algiers)