Asia
Market Chatter: Malaysia Rolls Out Measures to Help SMEs Amid Economic Pressures
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced measures to ease cost pressures on SMEs, including a 5 billion ringgit financing guarantee and a 12-month extension for the e-invoicing transition, The Star reported Tuesday.The financing support will be channeled through Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan, with coverage raised to 80% and repayment tenures extended up to 10 years. The scheme is aimed at key sectors such as construction, agriculture, logistics, transport and tourism, alongside assistance for loan restructuring.Meanwhile, the e-invoicing rollout for smaller firms has been deferred by a year to end-2027 for businesses with annual turnover between 1 million ringgit and 5 million ringgit. Authorities are also considering temporary tax and import duty relief on Malaysian goods that are re-imported due to external disruptions, the news outlet said.The measures come as geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, continue to shore up energy, freight and insurance costs. Anwar said the government will continue to adjust policies to support firms and maintain resilience amid prolonged global headwinds, reportedly.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)
FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI