KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Bank Bhd and CIMB Islamic Bank Bhd have increased their targeted assistance for micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the introduction of the SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (SRF) to navigate rising operating costs, supply chain disruptions and broader market volatility due to the Middle East conflict.
Introduced as part of Bank Negara’s RM5bil relief measures, the SRF facility provides impacted MSMEs with access to additional working capital financing to support short-term liquidity needs, including inventory purchases, operating expenses and business continuity requirements.
Priority will be given to businesses operating in certain sectors especially those that rely heavily on oil, crude-based products and diesel.
Assistance may also be extended to businesses that are facing difficulties to source supplies from countries impacted by the conflict, resulting in operational disruptions.
“We recognise that many businesses especially MSMEs are operating in a challenging environment amid rising costs and supply chain disruptions, affecting day-to-day operations.
The SRF measures are intended to provide practical support, strengthen resilience and added flexibility to help MSMEs better manage their cash flow and business commitments during this period," said Ahmad Shazli Kamarulzaman, CIMB's co-CEO of group commercial banking, in a statement.
Open to eligible MSME borrowers, the SRF will be open for applications from May 15 to Dec 31, 2026, or until full utilisation.
The facility offers 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 fee).
In addition, CIMB will continue to support affected SME customers through its existing Payment Assistance Programme (PAP), which offers flexible repayment arrangements to help ease immediate financial commitments and provide businesses with greater financial flexibility, particularly during this period.
Businesses seeking assistance or wishing to learn more about the available support measures may download the application forms available on the website and the OCTO app, contact CIMB relationship managers or visit CIMB branches nationwide.
For more information, please visit www.cimb.com.my/frap.
