Research on Malaysian SMEs found that green financing remains unfamiliar to many smaller businesses and is often viewed as something intended for large corporations. Limited resources, insufficient technical knowledge, misconceptions about green financing and the complexity of securing suitable funding continue to slow adoption.
MBSB Research noted that sustainability requirements are also reaching Malaysian exporters and smaller suppliers through their customers. Although proposed European Union changes could reduce the number of non-European groups directly covered, affected companies may still request carbon data, labour information and product traceability from suppliers. Electronics, palm oil, rubber and chemical manufacturing are among the sectors potentially exposed.
This makes early preparation increasingly important. Once an SME identifies which machine, process or business premise needs improvement, financing becomes part of the decision. MIDF’s Sustainable Green Biz Financing supports eligible local manufacturing and services businesses seeking to adopt green technology or undertake energy efficiency projects.
The scheme offers financing up to RM10 million with low financing rate of 3% per annum for purchase of energy-saving machinery and equipment and other fixed assets. Applications remain subject to MIDF’s credit evaluation and approval.
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