Terry KS MALAYSIA, 12 OCTOBER 2026 – Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has officially welcomed the announcements outlined in the Belanjawan 2027 speech delivered by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim. Following the budget presentation, the central bank detailed a suite of joint initiatives with the financial industry designed to assist Malaysians in navigating economic challenges, seizing growth opportunities, and reinforcing business stability.
To reinforce small and medium enterprises (SMEs) facing temporary cash-flow demands and macroeconomic pressures from the ongoing Middle East conflict, BNM is injecting an additional RM5 billion (USD 1.22 billion) into the SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (SME SRF). This expansion is expected to serve roughly 9,000 microenterprises and SMEs seeking affordable working capital. As of 30 September 2026, the facility’s initial RM5 billion (USD 1.22 billion) allocation has already approved RM3.8 billion (USD 930.8 million) in financing, assisting over 6,800 SME accounts. The SME SRF will remain accessible until 30 June 2027 or until funds are fully drawn.
Furthermore, access to working capital for small contractors under categories G1 through G4 will be expanded through the strengthened implementation of CAKNA to ensure the timely completion of government projects. To keep financing costs low, the RM10 (USD 2.45) nominal stamp duty rate for CAKNA I and II agreements has been extended to 31 December 2030.
For Malaysian consumers, BNM highlighted several measures aimed at promoting financial readiness and offering cost-effective products:
Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Dato’ Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour stated that Belanjawan 2027 balances structural economic reforms with targeted support for households and businesses during global uncertainty. He noted that the primary focus moving forward will be ensuring productivity, innovation, and sustainable growth remain aligned with rising national incomes.