KUCHING: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is shifting SME support towards credit guarantees, targeting RM10 billion in guaranteed financing.
BNM said the transition to credit guarantee schemes is intended to deliver higher impact by benefiting a wider segment of SMEs, including first-time borrowers and new entrepreneurial activities.
“BNM welcomes the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the 2026 New Year Message on the additional allocation for BNM’s Fund for SMEs (BNM’s Fund), and the introduction of a credit guarantee scheme.
“Moving forward, BNM will transition towards guarantee-based support, targeting guaranteed financing amounting to RM10 billion,” it said.
It said an additional RM2.5 billion will be provided under BNM’s Fund, with a focus on channelling the funds to first-time borrowers, taking the total allocation under the fund to RM34.9 billion.
“The upsize increases the total allocation under BNM’s Fund to RM34.9 billion.”
The central bank said it has made available RM32.4 billion in concessional financing to support access to financing for SMEs through participating financial institutions, particularly viable micro and small enterprises that face financing constraints.
“To date, BNM has made available RM32.4 billion in concessional financing to support access to financing for SMEs through participating financial institutions, particularly viable micro and small enterprises that face financing constraints.”
It added that the scheme will be implemented in collaboration with Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad (CGC) and financial institutions.
