KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 13 -- Maxim Malaysia is widening its small business assistance programme nationwide, offering free equipment and hygiene-focused support to help local entrepreneurs improve their operations and create cleaner, more organised public spaces.

The initiative, first introduced alongside Maxim's rollout in more than 50 cities, has since grown to include hundreds of restaurants, hotels, service providers, educational institutions and market vendors across the country.

Participation is free and open to businesses of all sizes.

Under the programme, Maxim works directly with entrepreneurs to understand their operational needs before providing practical equipment such as branded aprons, market umbrellas, "Open/Closed" signs, fl...