KUALA LUMPUR, 22 October 2025 — In line with the government’s Budget 2026 priorities on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) empowerment, sustainable financing, and Halal ecosystem development under the 13th Malaysia Plan, microLEAP and the Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) have entered into a strategic partnership to expand access to Shariah-compliant financing for Halal-certified MSMEs.
The collaboration supports Budget 2026’s commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s Halal economy as a key growth pillar, and aligns with the Halal Industry Master Plan (HIMP) 2030, which envisions a “Prominent, Visible and Globalised Halal Malaysia.” It directly contributes to Strategic Thrust 4: Enhancing Quality and Integrated Infrastructure Development by improving financial access and infrastructure for Halal enterprises.
Under this partnership, more than 14,000 members registered on HDC’s Halal Integrated Platform (HIP) can now access microLEAP’s Shariah-compliant financing ecosystem. This will enable Halal businesses to obtain funding for expansion, certification readiness, and operational growth.
Recognised by the Securities Commission Malaysia, microLEAP offers two main financing options tailored for MSMEs. Its Micro Financing product provides up to RM50,000 for working capital or early-stage expansion, while Invoice Financing offers a soft limit of up to RM500,000 for businesses with larger cash flow requirements. Both options adhere to Shariah principles, offering transparent and ethical financial solutions.
The collaboration with HDC also seeks to align financial readiness with Halal certification standards, helping entrepreneurs transition from being Halal-certified to Halal-competitive. It aims to attract more investors to the Shariah-based MSME financing space, enhancing governance, confidence, and sector resilience.
Tunku Danny Nasaifuddin Mudzaffar, CEO of microLEAP, said the partnership reflects strong alignment between national policy and market execution.
“Our mission is to open fair and accessible financing pathways. With Budget 2026 charting a course for sustainable and inclusive growth, Shariah-compliant financing must play a central role in empowering Halal MSMEs. Partnering with HDC allows us to scale this vision with purpose and help businesses grow, export, and contribute to Malaysia’s leadership in the global Halal economy.”
Since 2019, microLEAP has channelled over RM438.6 million in Shariah-compliant financing to 357 MSMEs across sectors such as trading, services, food and beverage, technology, and engineering. In Q3 2025 alone, the platform disbursed RM57.5 million, a 113% year-on-year increase. As of October 2025, microLEAP’s default rate improved to 0.34%, reflecting robust credit performance.
Hairol Ariffein Sahari, CEO of HDC, said the partnership supports Malaysia’s long-term vision of advancing the Islamic economy.
“Budget 2026 and the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 recognise the Halal sector as a driver of innovation and inclusivity. The main challenge for Halal businesses has never been certification alone, but access to capital. By bridging that gap with microLEAP, we are building an integrated, competitive, and sustainable Halal ecosystem that can thrive globally.”
The partnership represents a concrete step toward embedding Shariah-compliant financing within Malaysia’s Halal industry ecosystem. As the country advances under Budget 2026 and HIMP 2030, both organisations aim to position Halal MSMEs as vital contributors to Malaysia’s innovation, competitiveness, and global economic presence.
