Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) continues to support MSMEs with affordable financing, aligning with the broader measures announced during the Belanjawan 2025 by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
This includes RM3.8 billion dedicated to fostering digitalisation, sustainable practices, and agrofood production.
The funds will be allocated through specific facilities, including the SME Automation and Digitalisation Facility, the Low Carbon Transition Facility, and the Agrofood Facility, each designed to meet the needs of MSMEs in key sectors.
In addition to this, more than RM7 billion is currently available under BNM’s Fund for SMEs, offering continued support to strategic sectors aligned with national priorities.
BNM is also raising the financing limit for the Micro Finance Scheme (Skim Pembiayaan Mikro) from RM50,000 to RM100,000.
The regulator will also be extending the stamp duty exemption on agreements up to RM100,000.
These measures aim to boost access to capital for micro-enterprises.
Further assistance includes a RM15 million grant for iTEKAD’s seed capital, which will be matched by social finance funds such as donations, zakat, and CSR initiatives.
An additional RM5 million grant will subsidise annual takaful contributions, offering financial protection to micro-entrepreneurs, including small traders and delivery riders.
BNM also introduced the RM30 Perlindungan Tenang Voucher, allowing Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah recipients to purchase affordable microinsurance and microtakaful products.
To drive innovation in Islamic finance, BNM announced a RM100 million matching fund to promote risk-sharing instruments, with a focus on sectors like climate and food security.
Lastly, BNM welcomed the tabling of the Consumer Credit Act, which will address regulatory overlaps and enhance oversight of non-bank credit providers.
The act will lead to the creation of the Consumer Credit Commission, which will regulate entities such as Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) companies, non-bank factoring and leasing firms, impaired loan buyers, debt collection agencies, and debt counselling services.
