The Petronas Automotive Entrepreneur Development Program (PUMP) has earmarked RM2.5 million to support seven automotive entrepreneurs in establishing vehicle service centres in Terengganu.
PUMP is a structured initiative encompassing entrepreneurship training, business financing, advisory services, and periodic monitoring by the People’s Trust Council (MARA) and Petronas. Through collaboration between MARA and Petronas Lubricants Marketing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (PLMM), the program has significantly contributed to empowering the Bumiputera economy, particularly in the automotive sector.
From a pool of 120 entrepreneurs who attended briefings and interviews in August 2022 for the East Coast zone, 55 were selected. This selection process covered three states: Terengganu, Kelantan, and Pahang. In Terengganu alone, MARA aims to establish 10 operational branches, with three already operational in Kuala Nerus, Kemaman, and Dungun, while seven more are currently under development and expected to start operating this year.
Speaking at the opening of the first PUMP branch in Kuala Nerus, the MARA Chairman highlighted the significant allocation of RM185 million for entrepreneurship programs benefiting 1,452 entrepreneurs nationwide. Specifically for the automotive program, an allocation of RM7.4 million has been approved, benefiting 60 entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, MARA has allocated RM15 million benefiting 35 entrepreneurs with 46 branches under the PUMP brand. This success has generated substantial economic impact, with entrepreneurs under PUMP achieving RM50 million in sales and offering 320 job opportunities to local residents.
Mr. Zameer Zahur Hussain, CEO of Petronas Lubricants Marketing Sdn Bhd, expressed delight at the launch of the latest Petronas AutoExpert branch in Kuala Terengganu. He emphasised Petronas’s popularity and strong following, especially on the East Coast, and highlighted the brand’s unwavering support for local entrepreneurs. With the assurance of quality work and Petronas Syntium lubricants, customers at Petronas AutoExpert will experience a new level of service.
Mr. Hussain also expressed gratitude for the support from MARA in facilitating this collaboration and acknowledged the significant role of the loan scheme in the PUMP program, which has helped qualified Bumiputeras enhance their livelihoods through the automotive industry.
Among the East Coast PUMP entrepreneurs benefiting from financing facilities from MARA Terengganu is RS Auto Sdn Bhd, which received RM500,000 for renovating their workshop. In related developments, MARA aims to open 20 PUMP branches nationwide this year.
The launch event was attended by PLMM Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mohd Zameer Zahur Hussain, and MARA Management Members.
