In the first half of 2026, Malaysia's SME sentiment index fell to a historic low of 45.1 points, only the second time it has ever dropped below 50. Datuk William Ng, President of SAMENTA, says SMEs are currently battling a margin and cash flow crisis, and recovery will take many months.

We discuss:


SME Bank’s SME sentiment index at its lowest point in H1 2026.


Why recovery will take many months, and what operational damage SMEs and MSMEs are still carrying into H2 2026.

In the first half of 2026, Malaysia's SME sentiment index fell to a historic low of 45.1 points, only the second time it has ever dropped below 50. Datuk William Ng, President of SAMENTA, says SMEs are currently battling a margin and cash flow crisis, and recovery will take many months.We discuss:<ul><li>SME Bank’s SME sentiment index at its lowest point in H1 2026.</li><li>Why recovery will take many months, and what operational damage SMEs and MSMEs are still carrying into H2 2026.</li></ul>

Helping you navigate the ever-changing universe of business, from headlines to the bottom line

Helping you navigate the ever-changing universe of business, from headlines to the bottom line