KUALA LUMPUR, 26 OCTOBER – Lotus’s Malaysia and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) reaffirmed their longstanding strategic through Jom Beli Produk Malaysia (JOM MALAYSIA) 2026, advancing efforts to help Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) access modern retail markets, strengthen their competitiveness and build sustainable businesses.
Held at Lotus’s Ampang, the programme was officiated by YBhhg. Datuk Rohaizi bin Bahari, Undersecretary, Distributive Trade and Business Division, KPDN, alongside Azliza Baizura Azmel, Executive Director, Corporate Services, Lotus’s Malaysia.
For Lotus’s, supporting local enterprises is both a national commitment and a long-term business priority. Through its network of 71 stores nationwide, the retailer provides a platform for homegrown products to reach customers while working with supplies to strengthen product standards, operational readiness and supply consistency.
Azliza Baizura Azmel, Executive Director, Corporate Services, Lotus’s Malaysia, said, “Behind every Malaysian product is an entrepreneur with an ambition, employees building their livelihoods and families whose futures are connected to that business. Supporting local SMEs means investing in people and the potential of Malaysian businesses. Our role goes beyond providing shelf space. We want to help entrepreneurs build the capabilities and confidence to grow, because when our suppliers succeed, our customers benefit from greater choice and value, while our business becomes stronger alongside them,” she added.
The programme presented appointment certificates to new Lotus’s suppliers to expand their market reach while recognizing top SME suppliers for sales growth, delivery excellence, and retail performance. Repositioned by KPDN in 2026 as JOM MALAYSIA (formerly Kempen Beli Barangan Malaysia), the initiative reflects a renewed drive to promote Malaysian products and strengthen local enterprises.
Lotus’s SME Empowerment Seminar’s Third Edition
Securing a retail listening is an important milestone for emerging businesses, but maintaining that presence requires continuous improvement. Entrepreneurs must navigate product specifications, packaging requirements, inventory planning and steady delivery while adapting to changing consumer preferences. Building these capabilities is essential for businesses seeking to establish lasting commercial relationships with retailers.
Recognising these challenges, Lotus’s continues to support entrepreneur development with its third edition of its SME Empowerment Seminar, themed “Unlock Your Potential – MAstering Business Growth for SMEs.” Each edition has attracted more than 150 participants representing more than 80 micro-enterprises, providing practical insights into branding, product quality, supply consistency and the commercial requirements of modern retail. The seminar complements Loptus’s supplier engagement efforts by helping entrepreneurs better understand industry expectations and identify opportunities to strengthen their operations.
JOM MALAYSIA 2026’s Four Day Carnival
JOM MALAYSIA 2026 also featured a four-day carnival at Lotus’s Ampang, bringing together 20 local entrepreneurs to showcase their products directly to customers. The carnival provided a platform for participating businesses to increase product visibility, engage with shoppers and gain insights into consumer preferences. For smaller enterprises, these interactions can offer valuable feedback on product appeal, pricing and presentation, helping inform future business decisions and improvements. Such exposure also provides an opportunity to build brand awareness amongst first-time customers.
The collaboration between KPDN and Lotus’s demonstrates how Government direction and industry expertise can complement each other. By connecting national initiatives with established retail channels, the partnership creates a more supportive environment for Malaysian entrepreneurs seeking to strengthen their market presence and build sustainable commercial relationships. Through JOM MALAYSIA 2026, Lotus’s and KPDN reaffirm their shared commitment to ensuring that support for Malaysian products translates into stronger businesses, greater consumer choice and lasting contributions to the domestic economy.
