Malaysia will set up a development bank to assist small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in 2005, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.
"The banks at present are focusing their attention on loan applications from big industries and the SMEs are having a problem getting capital," he said.
"The SMEs require greater attention in the form of capital and loans and the setting up of an SME bank will give them the opportunity for growth," Abdullah said.
Abdullah gave no further details, saying these would be worked out by the Treasury.
He was speaking to reporters after an annual conference of the National Economic Action Committee, which includes government and private sector leaders.
Abdullah said the question of revaluing the ringgit against the US dollar, a subject of widespread speculation, was not discussed at the meeting.
