CIMB Bank and CIMB Islamic Bank have launched a financing programme to help MSMEs manage rising operating costs and supply chain disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict.
The initiative is part of Bank Negara Malaysia‘s RM5 billion SME Stabilisation Relief Facility.
Eligible businesses can access additional working capital financing of up to RM750,000 with a tenure of up to five years.
The financing rate is capped at a maximum of 3.75% per annum, which includes the guarantee fee.
Funds under the facility support MSMEs’ short-term liquidity needs, including inventory purchases, operating expenses, and business continuity requirements.
Priority goes to businesses operating in sectors heavily reliant on oil, crude-based products, and diesel.
The bank will also extend support to companies facing difficulties sourcing supplies from countries affected by the conflict.
“We recognise that many businesses, especially MSMEs, are operating in a challenging environment amid rising costs and supply chain disruptions,”
said Ahmad Shazli Kamarulzaman, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Group Commercial Banking at CIMB.
“The SRF measures are intended to provide practical support, strengthen resilience and add flexibility to help MSMEs better manage their cash flow.”
Government guarantees and application details
MSMEs may submit applications for the relief facility from 15 May until 31 December 2026, or until the funds are fully utilised.
CIMB supports this MSME financing initiative through government guarantee schemes administered by Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia or Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan Berhad.
Alongside the newly introduced SME Stabilisation Relief Facility, CIMB will continue to offer flexible repayment arrangements through its existing Payment Assistance Programme.
The bank encourages borrowers experiencing repayment difficulties to explore relief options such as temporary instalment pauses or revised repayment schedules.
Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Malaysia, based on image by mkmult via Magnific
