Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar delivers his speech during the 2021 Small and Medium Enterprise Annual Showcase (SMIDEX) in Kuala Lumpur. -NSTP/HAIRUL ANUAR RAHIM

KUALA LUMPUR: Efforts to facilitate the entry of Malaysia's micro, small and medium-scale enterprise (MSME) into the global market will be intensified through government to government (G2G) cooperation with other Asean and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members.

Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar said the sector, worst hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, was still reeling from losses which saw many companies wind up.

He said the cooperation involved knowledge-sharing and business matching, through Memorandums of Understanding (MoU), including one inked with South Korean authorities.

"We have faced setbacks due to the pandemic, so we are hoping to get it going soon.

"Efforts would also be given to help companies expand their businesses including exports, through digitalisation and increasing their online presence, as well as emphasis on assisting entrepreneurs affected by the pandemic and newly-established MSMEs," he said at a press conference after attending the 2021 Small and Medium Enterprise Annual Showcase (SMIDEX) themed 'PMKS: Bangkit Kembali' (MSME: Rise Again).

Apart from the various government initiatives, the private sector, including financial institutions could also extend assistance to the affected businesses, he said.

He expressed hope for the financial sector to offer relief to these companies by deferring legal actions.

"Apart from financing issues, some companies could not even afford to pay rentals for their premises as their business suffered from the pandemic," said Noh.

Meanwhile, SME Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp) chief executive officer Rizal Nainy said there were currently 125 Malaysian SME exporters, with 10 more targeted next year. -- New Straits Times