SME Bank expects NPLs to reduce to 15pc by year-end

June 19, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 — SME Bank Bhd expects its non-performing loans (NPLs) to decrease to 15 per cent by year-end, from 17 per cent  recorded last year, given the bank's good collection rate.

Its Managing Director, Datuk Mohd Radzif Mohd Yunus, said the bank was also collaborating with Bank Simpanan Nasional to help customers make their monthly payments according to schedule.

"There are issues and challenges facing Malaysian small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) in spite of all the recognition and assistance given.

"Many still lament the difficulty in obtaining financing while some face an uphill task accessing markets," he told reporters after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between both parties to facilitate a payment gateway collaboration.

Mohd Radzif said the tie-up would enable SME Bank to tap BSN's vast network of 392 branches throughout Malaysia, especially in rural areas.

Meanwhile, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin, who witnessed the ceremony, said it was vital for financial institutions to explore areas of cooperation locally and internationally besides competing in the open and globalised world.

"This collaboration is an illustration of good synergistic efforts whereby BSN's extensive branches nationwide can be leveraged by SME Bank customers to service their loans," he said. — Bernama