JOHOR BARU: The government has launched a RM205mil programme to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) weather current economic challenges arising from the global supply crisis triggered by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the Programme Sokongan Industri dan Perniagaan Rakyat (Sinar) would provide financial and non-financial assistance to support businesses affected by rising operating costs and market uncertainties.
“This new initiative, which is under the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry through SME Corp Malaysia, carries a total allocation of RM205mil and will be open for applications beginning this month.
“Under the programme, three financing schemes offering funding of up to RM5mil will be made available through collaborations with Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad, microLEAP PLT and Funding Societies, with profit or interest rates ranging between 3% and 5% annually,” he added.
Sim said this after officiating the closing ceremony of Karnival Hebatkan Perniagaan Malaysia (HPM) 2026 held at a shopping mall here on Sunday (June 7).
He added apart from financing, the Inclusive Business Scaling Programme will provide grants of up to 90% for SMEs that integrate inclusive communities into their supply chains, while helping micro enterprises enhance skills and capabilities to support business transformation and growth.
“To facilitate access to the initiatives, MSMEs applying for financing will only need to obtain MSME Status certification, which officially verifies that a business meets the national definition of an MSME. A 50% discount on MSME Status applications is also being offered from June 1 to Aug 31 this year.
“In the current uncertain global economic environment, the government cannot leave MSMEs to face these challenges alone. Through Sinar, we want to ensure that entrepreneurs have access to the financing and support needed to survive, grow and create job opportunities,” he said.
