FMBA Welcomes KUSKOP Financing Measures, Seeks Targeted Moratorium Support

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- The Federation of Malaysian Business Associations (FMBA) has welcomed the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry’s (KUSKOP) efforts to ensure adequate financing for businesses to weather current pressures and pursue growth opportunities.

FMBA, in a statement today, said the matter was highlighted during a recent dialogue with KUSKOP Minister Steven Sim.

It noted that KUSKOP has set a target of providing up to RM15 billion in financing in 2026, with approximately RM9 billion approved and disbursed as of July 31, benefiting around 250,000 entrepreneurs nationwide. 

Sim said the ministry would ensure that businesses have sufficient access to financing to weather short-term pressures while continuing to invest and grow.

“Our main goal is to make sure there is money on the table. Businesses facing temporary difficulties should have some breathing room, while those with opportunities to grow should have access to capital to expand,” he said, as quoted in the statement.

FMBA president Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Malik Abdullah said access to financing was particularly important as businesses grapple with higher operating costs, global uncertainties and margin pressures.

“We appreciate Sim and KUSKOP’s determination to ensure that there is enough money on the table for Malaysian businesses. Access to financing remains one of the most important forms of support for SMEs, whether they are facing temporary difficulties or looking to grow,” he said.

During the dialogue, FMBA also proposed targeted moratorium assistance, calling for such support to be made more widely accessible to businesses that genuinely require it.

“FMBA believes continuous engagement between government, financial institutions and industry is essential. We also appreciate the minister’s willingness to listen to businesses and work with the banking sector to find practical solutions,” said Abdul Malik.

In response, Sim said KUSKOP had engaged the banking industry, including private banks, earlier this year to facilitate the consideration of moratorium assistance requests on a case-by-case basis.

“Businesses that need such assistance should speak to their respective banks. If there are still bottlenecks in the existing arrangements, KUSKOP will continue to engage the relevant parties and work towards practical solutions,” he said.

He added that KUSKOP would continue working closely with FMBA and other stakeholders to channel business community feedback and help ensure government assistance reaches viable businesses requiring support.

-- BERNAMA