KUALA LUMPUR: Small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) are confident that the microcredit financing facility under the Strategic Programme to Empower the People and Economy (Pemerkasa) will facilitate a smooth post-pandemic recovery for their businesses.
Elriana Legacy (M) Sdn Bhd co-founder Dailami Daniel Mat Nor said, the interest rate of three per cent for microcredit loans is the lowest interest rate that has been offered for SMEs.
"Previously, the interest rate usually ranges between four to five per cent and the lowest that I know of was 3.5 per cent.
"The three per cent interest rate, thus, reflects the government's sincerity to assist SMEs.
"I'm rooting for the Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) loans under Pemerkasa as I am planning to make some readjustments to my business and possibly embark on some new ventures as well.
"Currently, my business is focused on an online platform, but I am looking forward to expanding it to become a retail platform as well.
"So, I'm hoping to establish a physical outlet to expand my business as part of my post-pandemic plans," he told the New Straits Times.
Dailami had also previously benefited from the Covid Business Recovery — Micro scheme which was disbursed by the National Entrepreneur Group Economic Fund in April last year.
"The scheme provided zero-interest loans of up to RM10,000 for SMEs and micro-enterprises affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I received the money on time and it helped me to pull through the first round of the Movement Control Order.
"I was also a Prihatin Special Grant recipient in May 2020 and I invested a portion of the RM3,000 cash aid to build a digital platform for my business," he said.
Dailami also encouraged more SME owners to benefit from the microcredit schemes and build more sustainable business platforms.