KUALA LUMPUR (May 11): CIMB Bank Bhd and CIMB Islamic Bank Bhd will open applications for their financing facility for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) from May 15 to Dec 31, 2026, or until full utilisation.

In a statement on Monday, the group said the facility, known as the SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (SRF), is part of Bank Negara Malaysia’s RM5 billion relief measures aimed at supporting affected businesses’ short-term liquidity needs.

The facility will provide working capital financing to MSMEs for inventory purchases, operating expenses and business continuity requirements.

Priority will be given to businesses in sectors heavily reliant on oil, crude-based products and diesel, as well as firms affected by supply chain disruptions due to the West Asia conflict.

CIMB said eligible MSMEs may apply for financing of up to RM750,000 with a tenure of up to five years, at a maximum financing rate of 3.75% per annum, inclusive of guarantee fees.

The facility is supported by funding and government guarantee schemes administered by Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia (CGC) and Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan Bhd (SJPP).

CIMB co-chief executive officer of group commercial banking Ahmad Shazli Kamarulzaman said MSMEs remain a key driver of the economy but are currently facing a challenging operating environment.

“We recognise that many MSMEs are operating amid rising costs and supply chain disruptions, affecting day-to-day operations. The SRF is intended to provide practical support, strengthen resilience and offer flexibility to help businesses manage cash flow and commitments during this period,” he said.

He added that customers facing repayment difficulties are encouraged to engage early with CIMB to explore available relief options, including temporary instalment pauses and revised repayment schedules.

Separately, CIMB said it will continue to support affected SME customers through its existing Payment Assistance Programme, which offers flexible repayment arrangements to ease financial pressures and improve cash flow management.

Businesses seeking assistance can download application forms via CIMB’s website and OCTO app, contact relationship managers or visit branches nationwide.