Malaysian Micro Businesses Association - MAMBA

04/06/2026

68.8% of illegal cigarette buyers bought from a foreign national. 75% say illegal ci******es are easy to obtain.

MAMBA urges intensified enforcement and warns foreign nationals: selling illegal ci******es leads to detention, deportation, and loss of everything built here.

This is a crime. The consequences are severe, personal, and lasting.

Source: https://focusmalaysia.my/mamba-urges-tougher-crackdown-as-survey-links-illegal-cigarette-trade-to-foreign-sellers/

29/05/2026

64% of Malaysians admit buying illegal ci******es.

91% citing lower prices. 83.8% bought at sundry shops. The honest micro-businesses that pay taxes and follow the law lose sales every day to this RM5 billion black market.

Source: https://www.klsescreener.com/v2/news/view/1728357/Illegal_ci******es_still_rampant_64pct_Malaysians_admit_buying_them_Poll

21/05/2026

As global geoeconomic challenges continue to pressure local supply chains, the government is accelerating its capital distribution to the MSME sector. Under the PowerUp 10K initiative, KUSKOP plans to fully deploy a RM15 billion allocation by 2026 to support entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.

As part of this rollout, the TEKUN Nasional Bumiputera financing fund has officially doubled to RM1 billion. Data from the first four months of 2026 shows that RM360 million has already been disbursed to approximately 20,000 small businesses, reflecting high demand for capital.

Read more: https://malaysiantribune.com/tekun-nasional-financing-fund-doubles-to-rm1-billion-to-boost-malaysian-msmes/

15/05/2026

Harsh penalties exist for involvement in the illicit cigarette trade, including for immigrant workers recruited into the supply chain. But penalties alone haven't stopped the RM5 billion black market.

Source:

This warning follows increasing reports of foreign nationals being recruited into and are active in illicit cigarette distribution networks and trading, often for low wages and high-risk roles.

13/05/2026

Maybank's new SME Perkasa programme offers RM1 billion in financing, up to RM1 million per business, with six-month principal repayment deferment and 48-hour disbursement. Available across 10 priority sectors.

Check it out here 👇

Source:

Malayan Banking Bhd (KL:MAYBANK) has launched a RM1 billion targeted financing initiative to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) facing rising costs and tighter cash flows amid a challenging operating environment.

11/05/2026

Illicit cigarette trade remains a RM5 billion problem.

Foreign nationals now run the distribution, but the real victims are honest micro-businesses, especially the sundry shops and small stores that pay taxes, follow the law, and lose sales to illegal operators.

Source:

Foreign nationals are now part of the machinery driving the distribution of illicit ci******es in the country; they are longer merely workers but owners of these illegal businesses.

01/05/2026

This Labour Day, MAMBA salutes the unsung heroes of Malaysia's economy — the micro-business owners. Hard work, small steps, big heart.

Happy Labour Day to all who build this nation from the ground up 🇲🇾

30/04/2026

For the micro-business community, this is not about nationality. It is about fairness under the law. Illegal operations undercut honest businesses, avoid taxes, and create uneven playing fields.

Staying legal protects the integrity of the local market. Every registered, tax-paying micro-business deserves the same chance to succeed without being undermined by those who operate outside the rules.

Source:

"Many foreign nationals aren't just running unlicensed businesses but are also involved in illicit trade, including the sale and distribution of illegal ci******es and alcohol." – Advokasi Perusahaan dan Industri (API) managing director Datuk Fazli Nordin

20/04/2026

The recent Philippine raid on a Malaysia-linked illegal cigarette network is a reminder for the micro-business community. While big syndicates operate in the shadows, honest, hardworking members feel the impact most, through lost opportunities and unfair competition.

Staying legal isn't just about following rules. It's about protecting the reputation built over time, keeping the local market fair, and ensuring that every small business gets a fighting chance.



Source: https://focusmalaysia.my/philippine-raid-uncovers-lucrative-malaysia-linked-illicit-cigarette-supply-chain/

19/03/2026

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all celebrating. May this festive season bring you peace, joy, and the warmth of family.

Maaf Zahir & Batin 🤲