Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad (CGC) have introduced new financing schemes aimed at supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Malaysia. These initiatives are designed to enhance access to funding, particularly for businesses in growth and strategic sectors.
The BNM-CGC Portfolio Guarantee (PG) and Portfolio Guarantee-i (PG-i) schemes collectively offer up to RM10 billion in guaranteed financing. CGC will implement these schemes in collaboration with participating financial institutions, marking a shift from direct lending to a scalable, guarantee-based model. This approach is intended to bolster financial institutions' confidence in lending to viable MSMEs, including first-time borrowers and businesses investing in future growth.
The schemes are structured around four key objectives:
- **Expanding financial inclusion**: Broadening access to financing for underserved MSMEs.
- **Supporting climate and sustainability transitions**: Encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
- **Improving productivity**: Assisting enterprises in enhancing operational efficiency.
- **Strengthening business resilience**: Building capacity to withstand economic challenges.
These objectives translate into targeted support for microenterprises, startups, sustainability-focused businesses, and MSMEs investing in innovation and productivity.
This initiative complements existing relief measures, such as BNM's SME Stabilisation Relief Facility, which provides short-term working capital support of up to RM750,000 over tenures of up to five years. The new guarantee-based schemes are designed to support longer-term MSME growth, productivity upgrading, sustainability transition, and resilience-building.
The introduction of these schemes is expected to provide MSMEs with greater access to financing, thereby supporting their growth and contributing to the overall resilience of Malaysia's economy. Businesses interested in these facilities are encouraged to engage with participating financial institutions to explore available options.