Deputy entrepreneur development and cooperatives minister R Ramanan said the allocation, utilising AIM’s internal funds, will benefit some 7,100 new “Sahabat Usahawan” recipients.

It will increase the total number of beneficiaries under the AIM prosperity loan scheme to 10,200.

Ramanan said AIM’s initiative aligns with the aspirations of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the nation-building process.

“I am confident in AIM’s capacity to cultivate more micro-entrepreneurs within the Indian community through the programme to enhance the nation’s growth and economy.

“This initiative is another step in advancing, empowering, and enriching Indian women in line with Malaysia Madani,” he said at AIM’s headquarters here today.

He said applications for the programme may be submitted from Monday at the 124 AIM branch offices nationwide.