Kuala lumpur: The additional RM1 billion in micro-financing facilities, which brings the total allocation for 2026 to RM6 billion from RM5 billion, should be accompanied by simple application procedures, affordable financing terms, and faster approval and disbursement, said the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, FMM president Jacob Lee Chor Kok emphasized the importance of this initiative as small and medium enterprises (SMEs) continue to face pressure from rising operating costs and cash flow constraints. Lee highlighted the necessity for the government to ensure adequate access to financing for eligible small manufacturers and manufacturing-related businesses. These measures, he noted, can help free up resources for businesses to sustain operations, retain workers, and undertake productivity-enhancing investments.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced six immediate measures aimed at easing cost pressures on businesses and households ahead of Budget 2027 during his National Day 2026 address on Aug 30. FMM recognizes the government's decision to introduce measures that can provide more immediate support as businesses continue to contend with operating cost pressures, cash-flow constraints, and an increasingly challenging and competitive business environment.

While several of the initiatives are primarily targeted at households and the broader community, Lee remarked, they will also have positive spillover effects on businesses and the economy. The federation also welcomes the decision to increase the annual sales threshold for mandatory e-Invoicing to RM3 million from RM1 million under the higher e-Invoicing exemption threshold. This change is expected to provide meaningful relief to smaller businesses by reducing compliance costs, administrative requirements, and the resources needed to implement and maintain e-Invoicing systems.

For businesses with annual sales between RM1 million and RM3 million that have already implemented e-Invoicing under the previous threshold, FMM urges the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia to provide early clarification on whether they may opt out following the revised threshold or continue participating voluntarily. Lee emphasized that businesses that have already invested in systems and commenced implementation should continue to receive appropriate technical guidance and support as early adopters.