Over the years, there have been various initiatives implemented to enhance the MSME financing ecosystem in Malaysia. Access to finance is a critical enabler for MSMEs to start operations, invest and grow, withstand shocks, transition to the sustainable and digital economy and participate in the supply chains. In 2022, total financing outstanding and approvals to support MSME relief and recovery exceeded that of 2021. MSME outstanding loans stood at RM 355 billion in 2022 compared to RM 320 billion in 2021. While the share of MSME lending in proportion to business loans has risen to reach 48% in 2022 from 45% in 2021. Banking institutions remain the main source of financing for MSMEs, providing more than 90% of total financing.
The financing ecosystem for MSMEs has been strengthened considerably over the years and continued to be enhanced amid the pandemic. The existence of a stronger and more effective ecosystem which played a pivotal role in providing critical financial support to MSMEs in distress was hugely instrumental in facilitating the recovery of the Malaysian MSME during these uncertain times.
While alternatives to traditional debt finance are particularly important for start-ups, high-growth and innovative MSMEs, the development of alternative financing techniques may be relevant to the broader population of MSMEs. Capital gaps exist also for firms seeking to implement important transitions in their activities, such as ownership and control changes, as well as for MSMEs seeking to leverage and improve their capital structures. Excessive reliance on debt financing compared to equity will lead to higher cost, as loans to indebted firms tend to have higher interest rates and increase the risk of financial distress and bankruptcy. Thus, the Government’s decision to allocate more funds into alternative financing from the capital market and innovative platforms such as equity crowdfunding (ECF), peer-to-peer (P2P), private equity and venture capital will further support the financial needs and open opportunities for businesses, particularly to MSMEs. Alternative fundraising avenues via ECF and P2P financing rose in 2022 and continued to support the funding needs of MSMEs with a total of 7,218 MSMEs enabled to raise more than RM 4.4 billion.
Malaysia’s financial system is the outcome of continuous efforts and reforms over decades, core building blocks were established and have placed Malaysia’s financial sector on a stronger footing, not only to withstand the shocks of the pandemic and natural disaster, but also to become a source of strength to cushion the impact to the economy which is highlighted in the Financial Sector Blueprint 2022 - 2026 and one of the key initiatives is the enhancements to the financing ecosystem for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). As Malaysia continue to build on these foundations, it is crucial that the Malaysian financial system keeps pace with emerging developments.
Looking ahead, various megatrends are expected to shape the future economic and financial landscape. The pandemic has accelerated certain developments – accentuating some pre-existing vulnerabilities while also giving rise to opportunities for reforms that are long overdue.