Budget 2026, the first under the 13th Malaysia Plan, is both inclusive and people-focused, charting
a course for national rejuvenation and revival, in support of the Madani Economy and the broader
policy roadmaps announced today. We commend the Government’s continued commitment to fiscal discipline, with a target of reducing fiscal deficit to 3.5% in 2026, a key step towards long-
term economic resilience.
The budget reflects a strong commitment to strengthening the economy, raising Malaysians’ living
standards, while enhancing Malaysia’s attractiveness as a destination for investment and business. Recognising the pivotal role of micro and small to medium enterprises (“SMEs and MSMEs”) in economic growth, we welcome the focus on empowering SMEs and MSMEs through expanded financing access via Skim Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan Berhad and Bank Negara Malaysia facilities. These measures will help accelerate the adoption of automation and digitalisation, areas where CIMB continues to champion through our CIMB OCTO Biz and SMEBizReady proposition, designed to support businesses scale sustainably.
As a leading Islamic finance player, CIMB also supports the Government’s emphasis on strengthening Islamic finance ecosystem. This aligns with our commitment to advancing equitable
risk and profit. Initiatives such as iTEKAD exemplify our shared aspiration to foster social impact
and financial inclusion for all Malaysians.
Amidst fierce global competition, we laud the Government’s bold move to championing a high
value economy with the introduction of ASEAN Business Entity (“ABE”) to support regional
expansion of Malaysian companies. We also welcome the continued focus on Johor-Singapore
Special Economic Zone (“JS-SEZ”), a strategic gateway that enhances the country’s regional
connectivity and competitiveness. With facilitation from the Iskandar Malaysia Facilitation Centre,
supported by the Johor Super Lane and Single-Family Office Incentive Scheme, this effort will
continue attracting high-quality investments and talent. CIMB remains fully committed to
supporting the development of the economic zone, including through our RM10 billion financing
to drive shared prosperity and strengthen investor confidence in our country.
The Government’s commitment towards sustainability and climate transition is timely and commendable. The initial rollout of a carbon tax, aligned with the National Carbon Market Policy
and National Climate Change Bill, marks an important step forward. With our aspiration to be an
ASEAN sustainability leader, CIMB is dedicated to facilitating financing and capital flows that
promote a just and inclusive transition to a net zero economy. Through our broad suite of
sustainable finance products and services, we will continue to support corporates, SMEs, and
consumers in adopting responsible practices that drive long-term resilience.
In summary, Budget 2026 strikes a balance between addressing immediate economic challenges
and laying the groundwork for sustainable growth. CIMB will continue to collaborate with stakeholders across sectors and society to advance the ambitions set out in this budget, in line with our purpose. Together, we are confident that we can build an inclusive, resilient, and
sustainable economy that empowers all Malaysians to thrive in a dynamic and evolving
environment.
Group Chief Executive Officer, CIMB Group Holdings Novan Amirudin
