Malaysia has introduced a RM100 million financing programme under Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi KUSKOP to improve access to low interest business loans for Chinese SMEs in Malaysia. The initiative is designed to support Perusahaan Mikro, Kecil dan Sederhana (PMKS) within the Chinese business community through structured financing offered by Bank Rakyat and SME Bank.
Announced in Kuala Lumpur on 29 January, the programme consists of two financing schemes, BR PROSPER-i by Bank Rakyat and SME Bank SUCCESS, with each scheme allocated RM50 million. These funds are offered until fully utilised and form part of the broader KUSKOP Chinese entrepreneur fund to strengthen MSME resilience and growth.
The programme focuses on financing for working capital and asset acquisition, allowing businesses to stabilise cash flow, invest in productive assets, and plan for long term sustainability.
Two Financing Schemes for Chinese Entrepreneurs
The RM100 million financing program is delivered through two financial institutions with different target segments. SME Bank SUCCESS is structured for enterprises requiring higher financing limits, while BR PROSPER-i by Bank Rakyat supports both micro and SME segments with more accessible financing limits.
Both schemes are open to Perusahaan Mikro, Kecil dan Sederhana (PMKS) across approved sektor ekonomi, subject to kriteria kelayakan and credit assessment by the respective banks.
SME Bank SUCCESS Financing Overview and Eligibility Criteria 2026
SME Bank SUCCESS provides financing for working capital and capital expenditure, including asset acquisition, to support operational efficiency and expansion. Financing rates start from 3.5 percent per annum, making it one of the competitive low interest business loan options for Chinese SMEs in Malaysia.
Eligible applicants may apply for financing ranging from RM100,000 up to RM3 million. The financing tenure extends up to 20 years for asset acquisition and up to five years for working capital.
Under the SME Bank SUCCESS eligibility criteria for 2026, applicants must qualify as Perusahaan Mikro, Kecil dan Sederhana (PMKS) based on SME Corp definitions, have been in operation for a minimum of two years, and be registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia or relevant authorities. Ownership requirements apply, including Malaysian Chinese shareholding or leadership by a Malaysian Chinese key decision maker.
Guarantee support may be provided through SJPP or CGC, subject to approval and financing assessment.
BR PROSPER-i Financing by Bank Rakyat
BR PROSPER-i by Bank Rakyat provides financing focused on working capital for Perusahaan Mikro, Kecil dan Sederhana (PMKS). The scheme supports business continuity and short to medium term operational needs.
The micro segment had financial ranges from RM1,000 up to RM50,000 with financing rates starting from 4.5 percent per annum and a financing period of up to five years.
For the SME segment,financing ranges from RM50,001 up to RM1 million with starting financing rates from 5.25 per annum, based on the Base Financing Rate and subject to changes. The financing period for this segment can extend up to seven years.
Eligibility includes minimum operating period of three years, clean record CTOS dan CCRIS, and compliance with financial requirements such as positive net asset value, shareholder funds, financial service ratio, and gear ratio.
Target Sectors Covered
The programme supports Perusahaan Mikro, Kecil dan Sederhana (PMKS) across a wide range of economy sector, including education, health, electricity gas and water supply, finance insurance and business, food and beverage, printing services, digitization, high-tech facilities, tourism, hotels and resorts, agriculture, manufacturing including agro-based, aquaculture and deep-sea fisheries, oil and gas downstream activities, and construction.
How to Apply for KUSKOP Chinese Entrepreneur Fund
Applications for the KUSKOP Chinese entrepreneur fund can be submitted through the respective financial institutions. SME Bank SUCCESS applications are available via the official SME Bank platform, while BR PROSPER-i applications can be made through Bank Rakyat’s digital QR2E channel or business banking centres nationwide.
All applications are subject to bank assessment and approval, and the schemes remain open until the allocated funds are fully utilised.
Strengthening Long Term Business Sustainability
This RM100 million financial programme plays a key role in strengthening Perusahaan Mikro, Kecil dan Sederhana (PMKS) by improving access to structured financing. With competitive financing rates, flexible financing limits, and guarantee protection, the programme supports sustainable business growth and financial resilience within the Chinese business community.
Beyond the RM100 million allocation delivered through Bank Rakyat and SME Bank, KUSKOP has also introduced targeted financing programmes to support micro enterprises that require faster, smaller, or seasonal funding solutions.
KUSKOP Special Financing Programmes for Micro Enterprises
In addition to BR PROSPER-i by Bank Rakyat and SME Bank SUCCESS, Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi (KUSKOP) has introduced targeted seasonal and community-based financing programmes to strengthen access to capital for micro enterprises. These programmes complement the RM100 million MSME financing initiative by addressing short-term cash flow needs, festive business cycles, and underserved micro segments.
Announced in February 2026, two key programmes are the Program Pembiayaan Khas untuk Perusahaan Mikro Milikan Cina (BERKAT) and the Skim Biaya Ramadan Perniagaan Rakyat (BARAKAT). Together, these schemes form an RM80 million festive financing package — RM30 million for BERKAT and RM50 million for BARAKAT — aimed at supporting micro and small traders during Chinese New Year, Ramadan, and Aidilfitri. Both initiatives are part of the MADANI Government commitment to widen financing access through structured, affordable, and fast approval mechanisms, guided by the ABCD strategy: Accelerating Productivity, Bureaucracy Reduction, Capital Accessibility, and Developing Market Access.
Program Pembiayaan Khas untuk Perusahaan Mikro Milikan Cina (BERKAT)
BERKAT is a dedicated financing scheme implemented by SME Corp Malaysia in collaboration with Bay Smart Capital Ventures Sdn Bhd (CapBay). It expands financing access for Chinese-owned micro enterprises via a regulated Peer-to-Peer platform.
The programme provides invoice financing and working capital financing of up to RM30,000 with a fixed rate of 3% per annum. Financing tenure can extend up to 24 months, ideal for short to medium-term capital needs without long-term debt exposure. BERKAT is open to Chinese-owned micro enterprises with at least 51% equity held by Malaysians of Chinese descent. Funding can be used for raw materials, operational expenses such as rent, wages, utilities, and financing linked to Purchase Orders or Letters of Award.
Applications are submitted online via the CapBay platform, regulated by the Securities Commission Malaysia. SME Corp acts as programme owner, while CapBay manages application processing, assessment, and disbursement. No processing or platform fees are charged. Application review and approval take 5–7 working days, with disbursement expected within 2 working days after approval.
Skim Biaya Ramadan Perniagaan Rakyat (BARAKAT)
BARAKAT is a seasonal financing scheme offered by TEKUN Nasional under KUSKOP, supporting micro and informal entrepreneurs during Ramadan and Aidilfitri business periods. Financing is available up to RM30,000 with a 3% per annum profit rate and tenure up to 12 months.
The programme targets small traders, hawkers, and micro entrepreneurs in sectors such as food and beverage, clothing, festive goods, and essential consumer products. BARAKAT financing is structured using the Tawarruq Shariah concept and is protected by group financing takaful against death or permanent total disability. Applications are submitted at TEKUN branch offices nationwide, with no agents or intermediaries involved.
Strengthening Micro Financing Access
The addition of BERKAT and BARAKAT to BR PROSPER-i and SME Bank SUCCESS creates a layered financing ecosystem under KUSKOP. While SME Bank SUCCESS and BR PROSPER-i support structured MSME growth and expansion, BERKAT and BARAKAT address immediate working capital needs, festive business cycles, and early-stage micro enterprises that may not yet qualify for traditional bank financing.
Together, these programmes improve capital accessibility, reduce financing costs, accelerate approval timelines, and allow entrepreneurs to maintain business continuity, manage seasonal demand, and transition into sustainable business models.
FAQ
What is the RM100 million financing initiative in Malaysia?
The RM100 million initiative by Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi (KUSKOP) supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through BR PROSPER-i by Bank Rakyat and SME Bank SUCCESS. Each scheme is allocated RM50 million to assist business growth, working capital, and asset acquisition.
What are the seasonal and community-based financing programmes under KUSKOP?
KUSKOP has introduced BERKAT and BARAKAT programmes to complement BR PROSPER-i and SME Bank SUCCESS. Together, they form an RM80 million festive financing package: RM30 million for BERKAT and RM50 million for BARAKAT. These programmes target short-term cash flow, festive business cycles, and underserved micro segments.
What is the Program Pembiayaan Khas untuk Perusahaan Mikro Milikan Cina (BERKAT)?
BERKAT is a special financing programme for Chinese-owned micro enterprises implemented by SME Corp Malaysia in collaboration with Bay Smart Capital Ventures (CapBay) via a regulated Peer-to-Peer platform.
Who is eligible for BERKAT financing?
Malaysian-owned micro enterprises with at least 51% Chinese equity are eligible. Applicants must be Malaysian citizens and operate registered or verifiable micro businesses, including those registered with SSM or local authorities.
What type of financing is offered under BERKAT?
BERKAT provides invoice financing and working capital up to RM30,000 at 3% per annum for up to 24 months. Funding can be used for raw materials, operational expenses such as rent, wages, and utilities, and financing linked to Purchase Orders or Letters of Award.
How to apply for BERKAT?
Applications are submitted online through the CapBay platform. SME Corp Malaysia oversees the programme, while CapBay manages processing, assessment, and disbursement. There are no processing or platform fees. Approval takes 5–7 working days, and disbursement occurs within 2 working days after approval.
What is the Skim Biaya Ramadan Perniagaan Rakyat (BARAKAT)?
BARAKAT is a seasonal financing programme by TEKUN Nasional to support micro and informal entrepreneurs during Ramadan and Aidilfitri. It offers financing up to RM30,000 with a 3% per annum profit rate for up to 12 months.
Who can apply for BARAKAT financing?
Bumiputera Malaysian citizens aged 18–65 who operate micro or informal businesses may apply. Financing eligibility depends on business registration: applicants may apply with or without SSM or local authority licences.
Is BARAKAT financing Shariah compliant and protected?
BARAKAT uses the Tawarruq Shariah concept and is covered by group financing takaful, which protects against death or permanent total disability during the financing period. No moratorium is offered.
How do these programmes strengthen access to financing?
BR PROSPER-i and SME Bank SUCCESS support structured MSME growth, while BERKAT and BARAKAT address immediate cash flow, festive business cycles, and early-stage micro enterprises. Combined, these programmes improve capital accessibility, reduce financing costs, accelerate approvals, and help entrepreneurs maintain business continuity and transition into sustainable models.
