KUALA LUMPUR:: The government will continue to prioritise the Bumiputera economic empowerment agenda by providing stimulus packages and recovery plans to assist them to survive and stay competitive in the new normal, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.

He said this was to ensure Bumiputera entrepreneurs were able to be successful and help in restoring the national economy.

The recently tabled Budget 2022, themed “Keluarga Malaysia, Makmur Sejahtera”, provides RM11.4 billion to implement various initiatives under the umbrella of Bumiputera development.

Of the amount, RM4.8 billion is set aside for capacity building and funding programmes for businesses under Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB), Tekun Nasional and Dana Kemakmuran Bumiputera.

“I believe that through the allocation received, PUNB will strengthen its Bumiputera business development strategy to create resilient and progressive entrepreneurs who contribute to the national economic growth,” Ismail said in a pre-recorded video for the Ikon Inspirasi Impian ceremony organised by PUNB.

Ikon Inspirasi Impian is a virtual lecture programme in which three successful entrepreneurs share their knowledge and offer inspiration to other Bumiputera entrepreneurs.

Ismail also called for Bumiputera entrepreneurs to follow in the footsteps of food and beverage players who are always innovating to meet their customers’ current needs.

He said they need to think outside the box for their business to stay competitive amid the more challenging world.