The government has opened applications for the RM5 billion SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (SME SRF) beginning May 15, 2026, as part of efforts to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) facing ongoing economic uncertainty.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said eligible MSMEs nationwide can apply for financing of up to RM750,000 under the facility introduced by Bank Negara Malaysia.
Under the programme, financing will be offered at a maximum interest or profit rate of 3.75% per annum.
The facility will be channelled through 18 participating financial institutions, including Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia Berhad and SME Bank under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP).
Applications will remain open until Dec 31, 2026, or until the RM5 billion allocation is fully utilised.
KUSKOP has urged participating financial institutions to expedite application, approval and disbursement processes under the SME SRF through faster, more flexible and MSME-friendly procedures to ensure affected businesses receive assistance promptly.
The ministry also called on financial institutions to continue playing their role as strategic partners to MSMEs by adopting a more inclusive and practical approach in assessing financing applications, particularly for micro enterprises and small businesses.
In addition to the RM5 billion facility by BNM, the government has also allocated an additional RM5 billion in guarantees through Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan (SJPP).
This raises the total allocation and funding for the MSME sector this year to RM60 billion, up from the RM50 billion announced under Budget 2026.
Steven Sim said the increase reflected the governement commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s MSME sector and enhancing its competitiveness despite ongoing global energy supply challenges
