Bank Negara Malaysia launches RM5bn SME stabilisation facility
Participating financial institutions must route affected SMEs through the RM5bn facility
Change
On 2026-04-28, Bank Negara Malaysia launched a RM5 billion SME Stabilisation Relief Facility for SMEs affected by the West Asia conflict.
Why it matters
The facility creates a defined working-capital route for viable SMEs facing disruption, cash-flow pressure or short-term repayment difficulty. Eligible SMEs can seek up to RM750,000 for up to five years at a maximum financing rate of 3.75% per annum, with guarantees of up to 80%.
Implications
- — Participating financial institutions must process eligible SME SRF applications through BNM-regulated channels — applications run from 15 May 2026 until 31 December 2026 or full utilisation.
- — Affected SMEs must apply directly through participating commercial banks, Islamic banks or development financial institutions — the facility is capped at RM750,000 per SME with tenure of up to five years.
- — Banks handling affected SME borrowers must identify suitable support measures, including repayment flexibility or restructuring — BNM directed businesses facing financial difficulty to engage early with their financial institutions.
Who is affected
- — Participating financial institutions regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia
- — Malaysian SMEs and microenterprises affected by the West Asia conflict
- — Commercial banks, Islamic banks and development financial institutions handling SME SRF applications
What to watch
- — 2026-12-31 — SME SRF applications close unless the RM5 billion facility is fully utilised earlier