Kuala lumpur: More than RM4 billion of the RM5 billion allocation under Bank Negara Malaysia's (BNM) Small and Medium Enterprise Stabilisation Relief Facility (SME SRF) remains available to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in managing cash flow and mitigating operational disruptions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir revealed that as of June 18, 2026, over RM700 million in financing had been approved for more than 1,000 SMEs. During the Minister's Question Time session in the Dewan Rakyat, Akmal Nasrullah emphasized the ample availability of funds to aid companies in navigating financial challenges and operational hurdles.
Responding to a query from Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman (PN-Bachok) about mitigation efforts by the National Economic Action Council in light of rising job losses and business downsizing amid global economic uncertainties, Akmal Nasrullah elaborated on the government's additional support. Financing guarantee facilities amounting to RM5 billion have been provided through Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan Bhd to bolster MSME financing.
Akmal Nasrullah advised SMEs facing cash flow issues to reach out to their financial institutions for tailored solutions, with institutions committed to processing applications within seven working days. Additionally, he highlighted the government's rollout of the Progressive Acceleration for Capability and Employability (PACE) Economic Resilience Package, valued at over RM710 million, to protect employment and ensure business continuity.
The PACE package targets four key areas: social protection, training and job placement, empowerment of gig workers, and strengthening young talent and SMEs. PERKESO has allocated over RM580 million to enhance the Employment Insurance System for workers who have lost jobs, alongside RM100 million through HRD Corp for training and job placement facilitated by the MYFutureJobs platform.
Furthermore, the government has designated RM20 million for gig worker training via the Skills Education Fund Corporation and RM10 million through TalentCorp to promote industrial training among SMEs and start-ups. The government is also intensifying monitoring of essential goods and key raw materials supply and prices critical to the manufacturing, food, agriculture, and services sectors.
In response to Mohd Syahir's supplementary question on the global supply crisis, Akmal Nasrullah mentioned that the government plans to present a ministerial statement in the Dewan Rakyat next Monday, pending Parliament's approval for debate.