PETALING JAYA: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has approved RM3.8 billion in financing under the initial RM5 billion SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (SME SRF), benefiting more than 6,800 small and medium enterprises (SME) accounts as at Sept 30, 2026.
The approvals represent 76% of the facility’s initial allocation, highlighting demand for working capital support among businesses facing temporary cash-flow pressures amid the economic impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict.
In a statement following the tabling of Budget 2027, BNM said an additional RM5 billion would be allocated to the facility, bringing the total allocation to RM10 billion.
The additional allocation is expected to provide access to affordable working capital for around another 9,000 SMEs, including microenterprises, to help them manage cash-flow pressures, maintain operations and strengthen business resilience.
Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the additional RM5 billion in his Budget 2027 speech on Friday, citing encouraging take-up of the facility.
BNM said the SME SRF would remain available to affected SMEs across all economic sectors until June 30, 2027, or until full utilisation, whichever comes first.
The facility is intended to help businesses manage temporary financing needs, particularly those affected by the economic impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Separately, BNM said implementation of the CAKNA financing initiative would be strengthened to expand working capital access for G1 to G4 contractors undertaking government projects, supporting timely completion of the projects.
The RM10 nominal stamp duty treatment for CAKNA I and CAKNA II financing agreements will also be extended until Dec 31, 2030, to further reduce financing costs.
BNM Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour said Budget 2027 reflected a balanced approach to advancing reforms while supporting households and businesses amid global uncertainties.
He said the Budget placed greater emphasis on strengthening economic resilience, raising incomes, improving healthcare affordability and supporting productive investment while preserving fiscal discipline.
“The key challenge will be to ensure that productivity, innovation and investment continue to strengthen alongside rising incomes so that growth remains sustainable and benefits are shared broadly,” he said.
