Lim Guan Eng urges RM150m MSME loans for Chinese and Indian businesses to be channelled through BSN, cites Shariah compliance restrictions

KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng has called for RM100 million in loans allocated for Chinese-owned micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and RM50 million under Tekun Nasional for Indian-owned MSMEs to be channelled through Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) instead of other financial institutions.

According to a press statement issued in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, Lim said placing the special RM100 million financing for Chinese-owned MSMEs under SME Bank and Bank Rakyat — which require Shariah-compliant business activities — has caused dissatisfaction among non-Muslim Chinese businesses.

He said this could limit access for Chinese-owned MSMEs involved in sectors such as food and beverage, traditional Chinese medicine, and entertainment, which may not meet Shariah compliance requirements.

“The RM50 million Skim Pembangunan Usahawan Masyarakat India (SPUMI) under Tekun Nasional for fully owned Indian companies also requires their business activities to be Shariah compliant,” he said.

Lim argued that while Malay-focused financing under Tekun Nasional is not subject to the same restriction, Chinese- and Indian-specific allocations are still bound by Shariah requirements, which he said raises concerns over fairness.

He added that BSN would be a more suitable channel as it does not impose Shariah-compliant restrictions and allows customers to choose between Islamic and conventional banking products.

“To ensure equal financing access for all MSMEs, such loans should be placed under BSN, which serves all Malaysians regardless of religion,” he said.

Lim also highlighted BSN’s wider branch network of 387 outlets nationwide compared to SME Bank’s 17 branches and Bank Rakyat’s 148 branches, saying this would improve accessibility, including in Sabah and Sarawak.

He said the proposal would ensure broader and more equitable access to financing for MSMEs across communities.

المصدر: Malay Mail