PUTRAJAYA — Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, today continued his engagement sessions with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to obtain first-hand insights into challenges faced on the ground, while formulating immediate measures to assist businesses affected by the global energy crisis, which has increased operating costs and disrupted supply chains.
The initiative forms part of the MADANI Government’s ongoing efforts since the onset of the crisis. Last week, Datuk Seri Anwar engaged with Bumiputera MSMEs, and today the outreach was expanded to include the Chinese and Indian business communities, underscoring that no segment of the economy is marginalised and that all voices are heard and assisted in a targeted manner.
“In the face of intensifying global pressures, the MADANI Government is acting without delay, guided by direct feedback from industry players to ensure that every measure implemented effectively reaches those in need,” he said.
The spillover effects of the West Asian conflict are now impacting the global economy through disruptions in energy supply, rising logistics and insurance costs, as well as sustained pressure on input prices borne by traders, manufacturers, farmers and other industry players.
Based on direct input from MSMEs, the Government today announced several immediate measures to ease cost pressures and ensure business continuity:
Business Financing Guarantee Scheme (SJPP)
- A RM5 billion guarantee allocation under the Business Financing Guarantee Company (SJPP) to support affected MSMEs, particularly in the construction, agriculture and agri-food, logistics and transportation, and tourism sectors;
- Enhanced guarantees for affected sectors, with financing coverage increased to up to 80 per cent (from 70 per cent) and guarantee tenure extended to up to 10 years (from 7 years).
- SJPP will also collaborate with banks to facilitate loan restructuring and rescheduling, as well as targeted repayment assistance.
To date, the SJPP scheme remains a key Government instrument in supporting MSME sustainability, having assisted more than 50,000 MSMEs through financing guarantees exceeding RM50 billion between 2023 and 2025.
E-Invoicing Flexibility
- An additional 12-month transition period for Phase 4 e-Invoicing implementation until Dec 31, 2027, for businesses with annual sales between RM1 million and RM5 million, including permission to issue consolidated e-invoices without penalties during the period.
Import Duty Exemption for Re-importation
- Interim consideration for exemption of import duty and sales tax on re-importation of Malaysian-made goods that could not complete the export process due to conflict-related disruptions, until Dec 31, 2026;
- The Government will continue to monitor and assess the need for further tax facilitation for businesses affected by the West Asian conflict.
Datuk Seri Anwar stressed that in facing prolonged global pressures, the Government will continue to act proactively to ensure the business ecosystem remains resilient and adaptable to change.
“The Government will continue strengthening cooperation with financial institutions, industry players and entrepreneurs to ensure that all measures help sustain business operations and safeguard jobs. This is not a temporary situation; we must be prepared for gradual and prolonged changes,” he added.
In line with the MADANI Economic framework, the Government remains committed to strengthening national economic resilience amid global uncertainties, while ensuring targeted assistance reaches those most in need.
