Business Today
22 May 2026
SMEs Affected By Middle East Conflict Gain Access To RM5 Billion Relief Facility
OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd and OCBC Al-Amin Bank Bhd are accelerating financial support for small and medium enterprises affected by the ongoing Middle East conflict through Bank Negara Malaysia’s RM5 billion SME Stabilisation Relief Facility.
The banks said the facility is aimed at helping viable SMEs manage operational disruptions and short-term cash flow challenges, with approvals and disbursements being fast-tracked to ensure quicker access to funding.
Chief Executive Officer Tan Chor Sen said the facility complements the bank’s existing relief programmes for SME customers, adding that the bank will continue engaging businesses to understand their changing needs amid current economic pressures.
Under the SME Stabilisation Relief Facility, eligible SMEs can obtain financing of up to RM750,000 at rates of up to 3.75% per annum, inclusive of guarantee fees, with financing tenure extending up to five years.
The financing is backed by guarantee coverage of up to 80% through Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia or Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan.
Applications for the facility will remain open until Dec 31, 2026 or until the allocated funds are fully utilised.
(Web source: https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2026/05/22/smes-affected-by-middle-east-conflict-gain-access-to-rm5-billion-relief-facility/.)