Any effort to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is welcome. Nevertheless, all financing schemes must be genuinely inclusive, fair and accessible to every eligible business. No company should face barriers simply because of religious-based conditions or classifications.
The RM150 million allocation under the SME Bank SUCCESS and Bank Rakyat’s BR Prosper-i financing schemes was introduced by the government to assist Chinese MSMEs in overcoming challenges and expanding their businesses. However, if implementation imposes conditions tied to Shariah-compliant financing facilities, many deserving businesses may be excluded from the very assistance the scheme was meant to provide.
Economic support measures should unite and uplift entrepreneurs, not create categories that leave some behind. If a scheme is intended to help businesses grow, the priority should be commercial viability, business needs and economic potential, rather than whether a company falls within halal or non-halal classifications.
Malaysia is a multiracial and multicultural nation built on moderation and inclusiveness. Our economic policies must reflect those same values. Businesses contribute to jobs, investment and growth regardless of sector, and every legitimate enterprise deserves equal opportunity to access support.
Many traders and MSMEs have already voiced confusion and concern over the application process. This underscores the urgent need for the government to review the scheme and ensure it is practical, transparent and open to all eligible applicants.
On the additional RM30 million Special Financing Programme for Chinese-Owned Micro Enterprises, or Program Pembiayaan Khas Untuk Perusahaan Milikan Cina (BERKAT), while any added support is welcome, the larger issue remains unresolved. MSMEs should not need to navigate separate categories based on religion or business type to receive assistance.
MSMEs make up more than 98% of businesses in Malaysia and are a backbone of our economy. Policies affecting them must be designed to strengthen confidence, not create uncertainty or division.
The MCA Economic and SMEs Affairs Committee therefore calls on the government to review all financing mechanisms and ensure they are inclusive, needs-based and fair. Assistance must reach businesses according to merit and necessity, so that no entrepreneur is sidelined and no sector is unfairly excluded.
Only through truly inclusive policies can we build trust, drive growth and ensure prosperity is shared by all Malaysians.
Datuk Ir Lawrence Low
MCA Economic & SMEs Affairs Committee Chairman
MCA Vice President
