Bank Negara allocates additional RM5bil for SME relief facility

Bank Negara Malaysia said as of Sept 30 this year, RM3.8 billion in financing under the facility’s initial RM5 billion allocation had been approved, benefitting more than 6,800 SME accounts. PETALING JAYA: Bank Negara Malaysia's (BNM) additional RM5 billion allocation for the Small and Medium Enterprise Stabilisation Relief Facility is expected to benefit 9,000 more SMEs, including microenterprises.

The facility will provide access to affordable working capital, Bernama reported.

The central bank said the additional relief will also help SMEs manage temporary cash-flow pressures, maintain operations, and strengthen business resilience amid the economic impact of the ongoing West Asia conflict.

"As at Sept 30, 2026, RM3.8 billion in financing under the facility’s initial RM5 billion allocation has been approved, benefitting more than 6,800 SME accounts," BNM said in a statement today.

It added that the financing facility will remain available to affected SMEs across all economic sectors until June 30, 2027, or full utilisation, whichever is earlier.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the finance minister, said during the tabling of the 2027 budget today that BNM had agreed to add another RM5 billion to support SMEs affected by the conflict.

On the implementation of the Cakna funding initiative to help micro, small and medium enterprises, BNM said it would be strengthened further to expand access to working capital for small contractors (G1-G4) undertaking government projects and help support the timely completion of projects.

"To further reduce financing costs, the RM10 nominal stamp duty treatment for Cakna I and II financing agreements will also be extended until Dec 31, 2030," it said.