SME Bank approved RM4.3 billion in financing in 2025, up 19 percent from a year earlier as demand from Malaysian MSMEs continued to grow.

The demand came from sectors such as Bumiputera development, technology and innovation, digital adoption, climate-resilient initiatives, the halal industry and tourism.

The performance was in line with Bank Negara Malaysia’s Performance Measurement Framework and the MADANI Economic Framework.

Samad Majid Zain, Relief President/Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank, said

“Total approved financing grew 19% year-on-year to approximately RM4.3 billion, with approximately RM3.8 billion channelled to MSMEs, representing approximately 20% increase from the previous year, while more than 60% of customers secured financing of RM1 million and below, underscoring our continued focus on widening access for underserved and unserved entrepreneurs.

This progress is further reinforced by the government’s trust in the bank, with close to RM2 billion in strategic initiatives mandated under National Budget 2026 to accelerate inclusive MSME growth and strengthen enterprise resilience across the economy.”

Beyond financing, SME Bank supported more than 14,500 entrepreneurs in 2025 through developmental, social and financial inclusion initiatives.

These included capacity building, advisory support, social finance solutions, export acceleration programmes and international business matching platforms connecting Malaysian companies with overseas buyers.

The bank also continued to support the halal economy by helping businesses work towards certification, join halal value chains and tap growing global demand.

The initiatives were aimed at strengthening business resilience, productivity, market access, value creation and job creation in support of inclusive economic growth.

Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Malaysia, based on image by lifeforstock via Freepik