MBSB Bank strengthens SME support with RM1bil financing initiatives

KUALA LUMPUR: The MBSB Bank is ramping up its support for Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through a mix of financing, business advice, and development programs. The bank has teamed up with Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF) to offer businesses a range of resources, from commercial banking to development financing, within a single group.

MBSB Bank's head of commercial banking, Noor Mohamed Amin Mohamed, explained during the SME Association's 30th anniversary celebration that this partnership provides SMEs with a direct platform to access unique offerings from the MBSB Group. The integrated approach helps SMEs avoid dealing with multiple institutions and instead receive comprehensive support for growth, digitalization, and market expansion.

The bank's initiatives, amounting to up to RM1 billion, target various sectors like solar and renewable energy, Perodua vendors, agro and environmental businesses, ESG-related ventures, and advanced manufacturing. Notable programs include MIDF's Halal Accreditation & Technology Improvement (HATI) for certification and technology upgrades, as well as MBSB Bank's Sustainable Green Biz Financing for energy-efficient investments.

The bank also addresses SMEs' immediate financial needs with its SME Stabilisation Relief Facility, which helps businesses manage temporary cash flow pressures and maintain operations. By combining financing, support, and growth pathways, MBSB Bank aims to help SMEs scale up, innovate, and enter new markets, aligning with Malaysia's economic development plans.