For many Malaysian businesses, growth starts with access to financing. As Budget 2027 nears, Newswav asked what that access is helping businesses do, and what they may need next. We spoke to Puan Juanita Rusmini Abdul Jalil, Principal Officer of Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan Berhad (SJPP), by email.
Puan Juanita has over 30 years of experience in finance, advisory, governance and project management across the public and private sectors. She joined Prokhas Sdn Bhd in 2006 and became its Chief Executive Officer in June 2026. She also serves as Principal Officer of Syarikat Jaminan Kredit Perumahan Berhad (SJKP) and DanaInfra Nasional Berhad (DINB).
Q: As at 31 August 2026, how much financing has been approved under SJPP's Government Guarantee Schemes, and what does it say about demand?
Since 2009, about RM123.81 billion in financing has been approved under SJPP's current Government Guarantee Schemes, covering 148,795 accounts and 90,503 borrowers. From January to August 2026 alone, about RM7.46 billion was approved across 10,240 accounts. Puan Juanita says this shows continued financing demand among Malaysian businesses. SJPP administers the Government guarantee allocations and works with participating Financial Institutions (FIs), which provide the financing and undertake their own credit assessment and approval.
Q: Beyond the headline amount, what business needs can the schemes support?
Mainly working capital and capital expenditure (CAPEX) for investment and expansion. Under Government Guarantee Scheme MADANI 2026 (GGSM4), facilities include term loans, overdrafts, revolving credit, hire purchase, trade facilities and bank guarantees, in both conventional and Islamic (-i) forms, subject to the participating FI's assessment and scheme terms.
Q: How can the schemes support businesses at different stages of growth?
Under GGSM4, eligible SMEs can get up to RM20 million per company, while eligible Mid-Tier Companies can get up to RM30 million, subject to the scheme terms and the participating FI's assessment. As at 31 August 2026, Wholesale, Retail Trade, Restaurant & Hotel made up approximately 44.8% of sector-based approvals. Manufacturing, including agro-based activities, followed at 17.1%, Construction at 13.2%, and Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Business Activities at 12.3%. Together, these four sectors accounted for approximately 87%. Other sectors supported include Transportation, Storage & Communication (4.9%), Primary Agriculture (3.8%), Education, Health & Others (2.8%), Electricity, Gas & Water Supply (0.7%) and Mining & Quarrying (0.4%). These are cumulative figures under the current schemes, not 2026-only, and they show which sectors received financing, not how the financing was used.
Q: How is GGSM4 positioned to support Malaysia's business and economic priorities?
GGSM4 makes RM30 billion available across economic sectors. Focus areas include Bumiputera businesses, halal, tourism, High Growth High Value sectors and export-oriented Mid-Tier Companies. This keeps support open to the wider economy while targeting national priorities.
Q: GGSM4 includes eligible Mid-Tier Companies. How does this broaden SJPP's role?
It widens the range of businesses that can be supported. As firms grow, their financing needs become larger and more complex, so the scheme stays relevant for their next stage.
Q: What role does a Government-backed guarantee play when a business has a viable plan but faces financing constraints?
SJPP does not lend directly. Businesses apply through participating FIs, which carry out their own credit assessment, and where a guarantee is needed, the FI applies to SJPP. The guarantee provides risk-sharing support to participating FIs, subject to the applicable guarantee coverage and scheme terms, which can help viable businesses access financing where they may otherwise face constraints.
Q: Speed matters too. How is SJPP improving the processing of guarantee applications?
One way is the Self-Approved Arrangement (SAA). FIs can approve and activate eligible guarantee applications within pre-determined financing limits and parameters set by SJPP, then submit them through SJPP's online platform, eGLS (Electronic Guarantee Life Cycle System). This shortens the processing journey for eligible applications compared with the traditional Business-As-Usual (BAU) route, while SJPP maintains governance and oversight.
Q: What stands out from SJPP's performance in 2026 so far?
In August 2026, SJPP approved 1,798 applications, the second-highest monthly number in 2026 up to that point. Approved financing reached about RM1.35 billion in August 2026, the highest monthly amount from January to August. About 64% of August approvals went through SAA, and the average processing time was one working day.
Q: Beyond the amount approved, how should we look at the impact of the schemes?
The amount shows scale, but it is only part of the story. The real value is how businesses use the financing for operations, investment and growth. SJPP sees value in complementing its figures with verified post-financing data and credible success stories.
Q: With Budget 2027 coming, what would SJPP like to see for businesses that want to grow?
Puan Juanita says viable businesses should keep having access to financing that suits their stage of growth. She hopes the Government will continue supporting SMEs through allocations SJPP administers, and may consider widening the focus sectors under future schemes. SJPP will continue to support the Government's policy direction and share operational and stakeholder insights where required.
The Takeaway
As Malaysian businesses look towards 2027, one thing is clear: access to financing remains a key driver of growth, and speed matters as much as size. The next step is showing what that support achieves on the ground.
To find out more about SJPP, visit its official website at www.sjpp.com.my
