PETALING JAYA - From its beginnings as a small newspaper in Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, in 2006, Sinar Harian has grown into one of the country’s most influential media platforms, consistently championing the voice of the people while empowering the local business community.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the ministry commends the second edition of the Bisnes Sinar Harian Awards (BISA) 2026, held at Royale Chulan Damansara.
In his opening speech, Steven said he was proud to see a Malay-language newspaper taking the initiative to recognise the capabilities and achievements of local entrepreneurs, particularly Malay entrepreneurs.
He noted that Sinar Harian has not only grown as a media organisation but has also played a role in shaping public discourse.
“Sinar Harian has provided space for the voices of the people and helped us understand issues that affect daily life.
“I have attended business awards organised by Chinese-language media where Malay entrepreneurs were among the winners. I am therefore proud that a Malay-language newspaper like Sinar Harian has taken the initiative to recognise local entrepreneurs, especially Malays, in their respective sectors.
“This is no ordinary vessel — it is one that braves challenges. BISA is no ordinary award, but one that celebrates successful entrepreneurs,” he said.
Steven said the two-decade journey proves that local organisations can grow sustainably by upholding strong principles, adapting to change and remaining relevant.
“From a small room in a town in Kelantan to one of the most influential media platforms in the country.
“This is not merely a media success story, but a business story of how values and principles can build something significant and enduring in an ever-changing landscape,” he added.
Steven said the organisation’s unique strategy of placing reporters in every district enabled its coverage to expand gradually across the country.
“Sinar Harian is a group of individuals who believe in one thing — that the stories of ordinary people deserve to be heard, not just those of elites in Kuala Lumpur.
“More importantly, Sinar Harian has not only grown as a media organisation but has also played a role in shaping public discourse.
“It has opened space for the people’s voices and helped us understand issues that directly affect daily life,” he said.
Commenting on current developments, Steven said global geopolitical uncertainties, which directly impact fuel prices, are now driving up business operating costs and increasing the government’s subsidy burden to as much as RM5 billion a month.
He said developments in the Strait of Hormuz have caused fluctuations in global oil prices, affecting the country.
“Traders are struggling to determine appropriate pricing for their products, just as the government previously bore fuel subsidies of around RM700 million a month.
“Today, we are bearing about RM5 billion a month, an increase of around 800 per cent which is equivalent to RM200 million a day, RM8.3 million an hour or RM140,000 every minute,” he said.
The Bukit Mertajam Member of Parliament said the uncertainty also tests the government’s ability to manage resources sustainably.
He stressed that the situation requires long-term measures, including reducing reliance on global energy prices and accelerating the transition to sustainable energy sources.
“For this reason, the government, through Bank Negara Malaysia, has allocated about RM5 billion in financing this year specifically for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“One of the key focuses is to help MSMEs transition to more efficient and sustainable energy use, including investments in solar technology, improving energy efficiency and reducing operating costs in the long term,” he said.
Steven added that an additional RM5 billion has been allocated under the SME Resilience Facility to help affected businesses access low-interest financing.
In a related development, the ministry has introduced the ‘PowerUp10K’ initiative to strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Through the initiative, he said RM15 billion in funding will be channelled this year, targeting 400,000 entrepreneurs and cooperatives.
“MSMEs currently contribute RM652 million to the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product), and we aim to increase this to more than RM700 million,” he said.