Kuala lumpur: The Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (SAMENTA) has described Budget 2026 as a positive and pragmatic plan that recognises the critical role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in driving and sustaining Malaysia’s economic growth. Its president, Datuk William Ng, in a statement said that Budget 2026, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today, reflects SAMENTA’s key priorities, especially in the areas of access to financing, innovation support, and regional trade integration.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ng expressed satisfaction with the government’s plan to expand credit guarantees through the Business Financing Guarantee Scheme (SJPP) to RM30 billion, up from RM20 billion, and commit to RM50 billion in total SME financing support. He highlighted that this addresses a primary concern among SMEs, which is limited access to affordable credit.

Ng further noted the government’s focus on digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, and automation aligns with SAMENTA’s advocacy for practical support in productivity upgrades. He mentioned that the allocations under SME Bank, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), and Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) demonstrate the government’s recognition of entrepreneurship as a cornerstone of inclusive growth. Ng stressed the importance of ensuring these initiatives reach micro and small businesses beyond the Klang Valley, particularly in the East Coast, Sabah, and Sarawak.

Ng also commented on the budget’s emphasis on enhancing export capacity and regional integration. He highlighted the RM5 billion SJPP export guarantee, RM60 million Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) market grants, and the expansion of the Malaysia Co-Investment Fund (MyCIF) to ASEAN as measures that will support Malaysian SMEs in deepening their participation in regional supply chains. He expressed hope that these initiatives would boost intra-ASEAN trade, which currently stands at a low 21 percent, as a strategy against global geoeconomic risks.

Ng concluded by describing Budget 2026 as a budget of direction and delivery, with potential for strengthening SME resilience and ASEAN competitiveness. He emphasized the importance of effective implementation to ensure the initiatives benefit all SMEs, not just those with existing access.