Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia are entering what the Small and Medium Enterprises Association Malaysia (Samenta) describes as a “survival zone” in 2026, as the cumulative cost of regulatory compliance reaches a breaking point. KUALA LUMPUR: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia are entering what the Small and Medium Enterprises Association Malaysia (Samenta) describes as a "survival zone" in 2026, as the cumulative cost of regulatory compliance reaches a breaking point. He added that unless repealed or postponed, SMEs will have to grapple with a surge of new regulations that took effect on Jan 1, 2026. "For SMEs to survive beyond 2026, the gap between government policies and the realities on the ground must be closed. "Samenta urges the government to act as a strategic partner in this transition, ensuring that compliance becomes a catalyst for competitiveness rather than a barrier to business survival," Ng said.

Source: New Strait Times January 05, 2026 04:55 UTC