SME Bank sees 10 per cent rise in loan approvals

SME Bank is expecting a 10 per cent increase in loan approvals this year, its managing director Datuk Azmi Abdullah says.

He said last year the bank saw 13 to 14 per cent increase in loan approvals compared with RM2.8 billion worth of loans approved in 2007.

He said the bank will continue to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) amid the current economic climate.

"We at SME Bank will continue to collaborate with our network of strategic partners on the financing and growth needs of Malaysian SMEs," he added.

The bank currently offers financing facilities such as conventional and Islamic facility financing, working capital financing, fixed-asset financing, equity and investment as well as financing for ordinary shares, preferred shares and loan stocks.

As for the creative industry, there are a few financing funds available, namely, Skim Pembiayaan Filem Cereka, Skim Modal Asas Batik, Skim Modal Asas Kraf, Tabung Khas Pelancongan 2, Tabung Usahawan Siswazah and Program Usahawan Bioteknologi.

Azmi said for Skim Pembiayaan Filem Cereka last year, RM12.56 million in loans were approved. - Bernama