Malaysia has introduced a RM5 billion loan facility to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and other affected sectors facing pressure from the global energy crisis.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the special relief facility after chairing a roundtable discussion with financial institutions on Tuesday. He said further details of the financing programme will be announced by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) soon.
The new loan facility, together with an additional RM5 billion in financing guarantees under Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan (SJPP), forms part of broader government efforts to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Anwar said the total SJPP guarantee allocation has now been increased to RM10 billion. Guarantee coverage has also been raised from 70% to 80%, while the repayment period has been extended from seven years to 10 years.
He said the measures are aimed at reducing the impact of global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions, while supporting continued economic growth.
Priority will be given to SMEs in sectors such as logistics, agriculture and construction. Support will also be extended to micro-entrepreneurs, including small traders, farmers and food operators.
Anwar also called for faster approval processes under existing financing schemes, including SJPP, to ensure businesses receive assistance without delay.
Earlier this week, the government also announced a one-year postponement of e-invoicing implementation for businesses with annual sales between RM1 million and RM5 million, extending the deadline to Dec 31, 2027.
In addition, temporary import duty and sales tax exemptions will be given until year-end for Malaysian goods reimported due to supply chain disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.
Separately, Anwar said the government will soon unveil additional measures to improve job opportunities, especially for graduates and job seekers.
He added that Malaysia’s economic fundamentals remain strong, with growth projected at 4% to 5% this year despite global challenges. He also highlighted continued investment momentum in sectors such as electrical and electronics (E&E), data centres and artificial intelligence (AI).
