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KUALA LUMPUR: SME Bank has introduced SME Relief Programme (SRP) with more than RM1.8 billion worth of financing for its customers.

The SRP is applicable for SME Bank's customers in the tourism, transportation, education and health sectors that are directly and indirectly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The bank said the wholesome approach was aimed at assisting all its customers when the six-month loan moratorium ends on September 30.

Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said SME Bank had proactively played its role in assisting the affected SME sector.

This is by offering the deferment of financing for its customers as well as rental payments for tenants at SME Bank's Entrepreneur Premises Complex.

"SME Bank is also mandated to distribute two funds through Penjana, namely the SME Go Scheme and SME Technology Transformation Fund (STTF), in addition to various other funds announced by the government through PRIHATIN such as the Special Relief Fund (SRF), AgroFood, Automation and Digitalisation Facility (ADF) and All Economic Sectors Facility (AES)," he said in a statement today.

Wan Junaidi added that other entrepreneurs were encouraged to discuss with their respective financing providers for post-moratorium assistance.

SME Bank group president and chief executive officer Aria Putera Ismail said all existing customers were eligible to apply for the assistance offered, subject to the terms and conditions of the SRP.

He said the programme was part of the bank's efforts to ensure the sustainability of SMEs in light of the impact of the pandemic.

"Two forms of assistance are offered, namely the Indulgence Programme which refers to the deferment of payment for the principal and financing profit rate and the second program is the payment for the profit rate only," he said.

Aria added that an extension from the initial financing period may be considered for eligible customers, allowing them to manage their cash flow more efficiently and improve their business plans during the recovery period from Covid-19.

Source: https://www.nst.com.my/business/2020/08/614823/sme-bank-unveils-rm18-bil-sme-relief-scheme