KUALA LUMPUR, 1 May 2026 – Rural Capital Berhad (RCB) has launched the Service and Supply Contract Financing Scheme (Skim Pembiayaan Kontrak Perkhidmatan & Pembekalan – SKOPP), a RM20 million initiative designed to strengthen working capital support and improve contract execution capabilities among Bumiputera contractors.

The scheme will primarily support projects under the People’s Housing Programme (Program Perumahan Rakyat Sejahtera – PPRS), reinforcing national efforts to deliver quality housing while empowering Bumiputera participation in government-linked projects.

The launch was officiated by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Chairman, Datuk Wira Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dato' Dusuki, in conjunction with MARA’s 60th Anniversary celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. Also present were the Chairman of RCB, Datuk Noor Hariri Mohamed Noor; Chief Executive Officer of RCB, Tuan Haji Hiruddin Hashim; senior representatives from MARA, RCB, PMB Tijari, and partner agencies.

As part of the initiative, RCB presented mock financing totalling RM20 million, comprising RM10 million allocated to the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) and RM10 million to Felcra Bina Sdn Bhd.

Dato’ Noor Hariri said SKOPP reflects RCB’s continued commitment to delivering targeted financing solutions that address structural gaps faced by Bumiputera contractors.

“RCB’s past collaboration with GIATMARA has demonstrated that targeted and structured financing can significantly improve business resilience and project delivery among Bumiputera entrepreneurs. To date, a total of 135 contracts have been financed, amounting to RM8.3 million, with strong repayment performance and measurable business growth outcomes.

“Through SKOPP, we are expanding this approach by focusing on high-impact segments such as JAKOA and FELCRA BINA, where contractors often face limited access to formal financing despite strong project pipelines. This initiative is designed to unlock their capacity, improve execution efficiency, and ensure more inclusive participation in national development programmes.

“RCB will continue to broaden its reach to other sectors and agencies, including infrastructure, rural development, and green economy projects, in line with our goal of advancing sustainable and inclusive financing,” he added.

The launch was held in conjunction with a forum titled “Bridging Financing Gaps for Bumiputera Entrepreneurs: From Access to Sustainable Growth”, organised by RCB in collaboration with PMB Tijari Berhad (PMB Tijari), both subsidiaries of MARA Corporation Group that provide different size of financing facilities.

The forum featured two PMB Tijari’s customers and two SPED entrepreneurs who shared their business journeys, highlighting income growth of up to 30% following access to structured financing support, demonstrating the tangible impact of RCB’s financing solutions on business sustainability and scalability.

The event brought together key institutional leaders, including representatives from RCB, PMB Tijari, The Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (DPMM), Felcra Bina Sdn Bhd, and JAKOA, underscoring strong cross-agency support for SKOPP as a catalyst for strengthening the Bumiputera entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The event also witnessed the exchange of strategic collaborations between PMB Tijari, represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Puan Hajah Norleza Abu Bakar, and several key partners, including Persatuan Wanita Bumiputra Dalam Perniagaan Profesion Malaysia (Peniagawati); Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT); Persatuan Industri Tenaga Boleh Baharu dan Alam Sekitar (PINTARE); Persatuan Bekas Pelajar Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (ANSARA); and Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP).

According to Puan Hajah Norleza Abu Bakar, these collaborations reflect PMB Tijari’s commitment to strengthening the Bumiputera entrepreneurial ecosystem in a more holistic and impactful manner. “Through these strategic partnerships, we are not only expanding access to financing, but also placing strong emphasis on capacity building and the strengthening of industry linkages to ensure Bumiputera entrepreneurs are more resilient and competitive over the long term,” she said.

She added that PMB Tijari will continue to broaden its partnerships with various stakeholders to bridge financing gaps and accelerate business growth towards a more sustainable scale, while reinforcing ecosystem support across access to financing, capacity building, and industry linkages.

The event concluded with a dialogue session featuring the Chairman of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Datuk Wira Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dato’ Dusuki, who engaged directly with the entrepreneurs in attendance.

For more information on RCB and PMB Tijari, please visit www.ruralcapital.com.my / www.pmbtijari.com.my.

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