The amount of loans given to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for the first six months of 2004 annualised has exceeded the amount lent in 2003.
Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said Malaysian banks approved RM 14.1 bn worth of loans to over 40,000 SMEs from January to June this year, compared with RM26 bn for the whole of 2003.
She said there are ample funds in the financial system to support SMEs, with RM4.5 billion channelled to the banks for this purpose.
“I urge you (SMEs) to strengthen your ability to seek information, go to the relevant websites, read the Budget 2005 incentives.
“There is no use if the Government gives (incentives) but the people don’t know (about them),” Dr Ng said in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
