MBSB Bank has set aside up to RM1 billion in financing to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia’s rail sector, under a strategic partnership with the Malaysia Rail Industry Corporation (MARIC).
The collaboration aims to strengthen the country’s rail industry ecosystem by providing structured financing solutions to rail-related SMEs, technology providers and solution developers. Both parties will also undertake joint industry engagement initiatives and capacity-building efforts.
In a statement, the bank said initial initiatives will include industry dialogues, knowledge-sharing sessions focused on commercial development and environmental, social and governance (ESG) readiness, as well as aligning financing frameworks with innovation and sustainability benchmarks relevant to the rail sector.
MBSB Group chief strategy officer Datuk Azlan Shahrim said the partnership will allow the bank to better understand the challenges faced by industry players.
“By engaging directly with MARIC members, we can gain clearer insights into their operational challenges and develop financing solutions that are carefully structured to meet their specific requirements,” he said.
MARIC president Datuk Dr Mohd Yusott Sulaiman described the collaboration as a significant step towards strengthening Malaysia’s rail industry landscape.
“Many of our SMEs and technology players have strong technical capabilities but require appropriate financial backing to scale and commercialise their solutions. This partnership helps bridge the gap between innovation and market readiness while supporting the growth of a more competitive and sustainable rail sector,” he said.
Looking ahead, both parties expect the collaboration to contribute to a more integrated and future-ready rail ecosystem, enhancing SME competitiveness, accelerating commercialisation efforts and reinforcing Malaysia’s position as an innovation-driven rail industry hub.
