RECENT geopolitical developments and disruptions to global supply chains have created a more volatile business environment.
For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the challenge is no longer just pursuing growth but also maintaining healthy cash flow and financial stability.
Even businesses with steady orders can come under pressure if customer payments are delayed while expenses such as salaries, rent and supplier costs continue to be paid.
To help address this, RHB is offering eligible SMEs access to financing under Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (SRF).
Businesses can obtain up to RM750,000 in working capital financing at a competitive rate of 3.75% per annum (inclusive of guarantee fees) with government-backed guarantees from Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia (CGC) or Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan (SJPP).
The guarantees help eligible SMEs that may not have sufficient collateral gain better access to financing, enabling them to secure the working capital needed to support day-to-day operations.
To ensure that SMEs get speedy access to support, RHB has introduced a “Fast Track Lane” for valued pre-selected customers, while also streamlining its end-to-end processes so existing and new SME customers will experience a smoother financing application process.
The programme is also supported by RHB’s dedicated Relationship Managers, who work closely with SMEs to understand their business needs and recommend suitable financing solutions.
Meanwhile, RHB’s partnership with SJPP is expected to facilitate up to RM1bil in financing for SMEs and mid-tier companies, broadening access to funding for businesses that may otherwise face challenges securing conventional financing.
As part of its partnership with SJPP, RHB will organise joint roadshows across the country including the Klang Valley, Johor Baru and Penang to raise awareness of the financing solutions available and connect eligible SMEs with the relevant support programmes.
RHB group managing director and group chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Rashid Mohamad said that the true measure of a bank is its ability to stand by its customers and respond with agility during periods of global economic disruption.
“We have re-engineered our credit evaluation process to prioritise speed and flexibility, ensuring that geopolitical challenges do not stall the growth of businesses.
“Our focus is on ensuring timely support while continuing to partner SMEs as they stabilise, adapt and grow,” he said.
Beyond providing access to financing, RHB also recognises that some businesses may require greater flexibility in managing their existing financial commitments.
The bank’s Targeted Relief Assistance programme complements the SRF as part of its two-pronged strategy, providing support to existing SME customers experiencing repayment difficulties. Through this programme, businesses can work with the bank to adjust their loan repayment arrangements based on their financial circumstances.
Businesses may be offered an extension of their loan tenure of up to three years, or up to five years for selected customers, to reduce monthly repayments.
Those facing more significant cash flow challenges may also qualify for a six-month principal moratorium on term loans or convert short-term financing, such as overdrafts, into five-year term loans.
For more details on the SME Stabilisation Relief Facility, visit RHB Bank’s website
