KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 (Bernama) -- CIMB Bank Berhad and CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad (collectively “CIMB” or “the Bank”) intensified its targeted assistance for micro small and medium enterprises (“MSMEs”) with the introduction of the SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (“SRF”) to navigate rising operating costs, supply chain disruptions and broader market volatility due to the West Asia conflict. 

Introduced as part of Bank Negara Malaysia’s (“BNM”) RM5 billion relief measures, the SRF facility provides impacted MSMEs with access to additional working capital financing to support short-term liquidity needs, including inventory purchases, operating expenses and business continuity requirements. Priority will be given to businesses operating in certain sectors especially those that rely heavily on oil, crude-based products and diesel. Assistance may also be extended to businesses that are facing difficulties to source supplies from countries impacted by the conflict, resulting in operational disruptions. 

Ahmad Shazli Kamarulzaman, Co-CEO of Group Commercial Banking, CIMB said, “MSMEs contribute significantly to the economy, playing an important role in keeping the economy and local communities sustainable. We recognise that many businesses especially MSMEs are operating in a challenging environment amid rising costs and supply chain disruptions, affecting day-to-day operations. The SRF measures are intended to provide practical support, strengthen resilience and added flexibility to help MSMEs better manage their cash flow and business commitments during this period. We encourage businesses experiencing repayment difficulties to contact our relationship managers early to explore available relief options, including pause instalments temporarily and revise repayment schedules.” 

Open to eligible MSME borrowers, applications for the SRF will start on 15 May until 31 December 2026, or until full utilisation. Supported by BNM’s funding and government guarantee schemes administered by Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia (“CGC”) or Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan Berhad (“SJPP”), the facility offers financing of up to RM750,000 with a tenure of up to five years at a maximum financing rate of 3.75% per annum (inclusive of guarantee fee).

In addition, CIMB will continue to support affected SME customers through its existing Payment Assistance Programme (“PAP”), which offers flexible repayment arrangements to help ease immediate financial commitments and provide businesses with greater financial flexibility, particularly during this period. 

Businesses seeking assistance or wishing to learn more about the available support measures may download the application forms available on the website and the OCTO app, contact CIMB relationship managers or visit CIMB branches nationwide. For more information, please visit www.cimb.com.my/frap.

About CIMB  

CIMB is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider, by assets. Listed on Bursa Malaysia via CIMB Group Holdings Berhad, it had a market capitalisation of approximately RM89.0 billion as at 31 December 2025. It offers consumer banking, commercial banking, wholesale banking, transaction banking, Islamic banking and asset management products and services. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Group is present across ASEAN in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines. 

Beyond ASEAN, the Group has market presence in China, Hong Kong and UK. CIMB has one of the most extensive retail branch networks in ASEAN with 552 branches and over 33,000 employees as at 31 December 2025. CIMB’s investment banking arm is one of the largest Asia Pacific-based investment banks, which together with its award-winning treasury & markets and corporate banking units comprise the Group’s leading wholesale banking franchise. CIMB is also the 91.45% shareholder of Bank CIMB Niaga in Indonesia, and 94.83% shareholder of CIMB Thai in Thailand.

SOURCE: CIMB Group

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Anis Azharuddin / Kelvin Jude Muthu
Group Corporate Communications 
CIMB Group Holdings Berhad 
Email: anis.azharuddin@cimb.com / kelvinjude.muthu@cimb.com

--BERNAMA