Senior Minister of State (SMS) Zaqy Mohamad and Member of Parliament (MP) Saktiandi Supaat pictured with members of the Government Parliamentary Committee and SMCCI’s Board of Directors during the engagement session.
SMCCI recently held an advocacy engagement with Senior Minister of State (SMS) Zaqy Mohamad and Member of Parliament (MP) Saktiandi Supaat to surface business concerns on the ground and strengthen policy-to-action outcomes — especially for micro, small and family-run enterprises.
This dialogue builds on SMCCI’s pre-Budget engagement and ground survey in January 2026, where businesses highlighted recurring pressures around rising rental costs, manpower constraints, access to financing and grants, productivity and technology adoption, and overseas expansion opportunities. These same themes were resurfaced and discussed in greater depth during the session, with special focus on heritage precinct sustainability and SME access to regional opportunities such as the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
Key issues raised during the engagement
Rental pressures and sustainability
Participants noted how rental increases have shifted from standard increments to performance-based pricing in some cases. It was shared that once rental costs exceed a significant portion of monthly operating costs, long-term business sustainability becomes challenging. Ideas discussed included exploring rental review or mediation frameworks, continuing rental negotiation training, and studying landlord incentives that support heritage-related businesses.
Defining “heritage” beyond tenure
SMS Zaqy emphasised the importance of distinguishing “heritage” from “legacy”, noting that heritage should not be defined solely by length of tenancy. The session discussed heritage as a combination of cultural and community value, type of trade/craft, and products or artefacts, and explored how heritage zones could be strengthened as a continuous cultural belt. Participants also noted that some businesses may not fit formal definitions but still contribute meaningfully to the cultural ecosystem.
Coordinated agency engagement and policy tools
SMCCI shared ongoing work with agencies to explore trade-type planning, heritage strategies, and support schemes better aligned to SME realities. Ideas included exploring a heritage recognition/label that complements existing initiatives.
Family businesses and structural challenges
The session highlighted that beyond rent, closures are often driven by succession planning and ownership structure issues. A potential collaboration with the SMU Business Family Institute (BFI) was identified as a pathway to support family business continuity.
Financing, grants and regionalisation
SMCCI reiterated the need to improve access to financing, simplify grant pathways, support automation adoption, and ensure SME-inclusive entry points into JS-SEZ and other regional initiatives.
MP Saktiandi Supaat (left) and SMCCI President Dr Abdul Malik Hassan (right) sharing their perspectives during SMCCI’s engagement session.
From advocacy to action
Following Budget 2026, SMCCI issued a public statement welcoming measures that help businesses manage cost pressures, strengthen workforce and productivity, adopt AI and technology, and pursue growth locally and overseas. SMCCI remains committed to translating these measures into practical support for members, and will continue working closely with government agencies and partners to keep policies grounded in real business conditions.