The export value for the top 50 bumiputera companies was RM2.47 billion in 2018, and RM5.54 billion for the top 50 non-bumiputera companies.

This was revealed by International Trade and Industy Minister Darrell Leiking in a written parliamentary reply to Ahmad Maslan (BN-Pontian), who had asked about steps taken to increase the number of bumiputera exporters.

Leiking said the top bumiputera companies registered with Matrade are from the food and beverage, machinery and industrial, ICT, electrical and electronics and lifestyle sectors.

Their non-bumiputera counterparts, meanwhile, deal with palm oil, food and beverage, ICT, electrical and electronics and lifestyle.

Leiking said that his ministry is employing a continuous two-pronged method to increase the number of bumiputera exporters.

The first method involves outreach in terms of channelling information on export opportunities and related regulations.

The ministry also helps qualified companies join the Bumiputera Export Development programme.

The programme, he explained, prepares monetary incentives and highlights promotional activities for showcases overseas or development missions abroad.