14th May 2026 - 3 min read
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) facing cashflow pressure from global trade disruptions now have another financing option to turn to.
AmBank Group announced on 12 May 2026 that both AmBank (M) Berhad and AmBank Islamic Berhad are participating in the SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (SME SRF), a government-backed scheme designed to provide working capital support during the current period of supply chain and trade uncertainty linked to the West Asia conflict.
Applications open on 15 May 2026 and run until 31 December 2026, or until the RM5 billion allocation is fully drawn down, whichever comes first.
Eligible SMEs can apply for financing of up to RM750,000, with repayment periods of up to five years. The financing or profit rate is capped at 3.75% per annum, inclusive of guarantee fees.
One notable feature is the guarantee coverage. Backed by Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia (CGC) and Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan (SJPP), the facility covers up to 80% of the financing amount. That reduces the collateral burden for businesses that may not have significant assets to pledge.
AmBank has also introduced a fast-track approval process for both existing and new business customers. The bank is targeting an approval-to-disbursement turnaround of as fast as three weeks, subject to complete documentation and compliance with financing requirements.
Priority consideration goes to SMEs that have been materially and financially affected by the trade disruptions. The press release does not specify exact eligibility criteria beyond this, so prospective applicants should contact AmBank directly to confirm whether their situation qualifies.
The 3.75% cap is inclusive of guarantee fees, which is a meaningful distinction. Guarantee fees are typically charged as a percentage of the loan amount per year and are paid to CGC or SJPP for providing the coverage. Including them in the stated rate gives a clearer picture of the total financing cost, though the exact fee structure will depend on the guarantee provider and the borrower’s risk profile.
The three-week turnaround is also conditional. Incomplete documentation or unmet financing requirements can extend the timeline, so SMEs with urgent cashflow needs should prepare their paperwork thoroughly before applying.
With the facility tied to an overall allocation of RM5 billion across all participating banks, not just AmBank, demand from multiple lenders could reduce available funds before the December deadline.Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for the latest money tips and updates.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for the latest money tips and updates.
Iman writes about personal finance with curiosity. She is interested in the stories behind money, the hesitation around big decisions, and the small habits that shape financial futures. Off the clock, she is either dissecting a film or climbing her way up the leaderboard in her favourite games.
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