CIMB, Pharmaniaga team up to boost financial flexibility for healthcare SMEs
The partnership aims to provide greater financial flexibility to clinics, pharmacies and medical buyers across the sector, CIMB said.
"Under the collaboration, CIMB and Pharmaniaga will offer enhanced payment flexibility to downstream buyers including private clinics and independent pharmacies through CIMB SME BusinessCard," the bank said in a statement today.
Businesses can enjoy up to 50 days of extended credit when purchasing medical supplies using the card and get unlimited 0.5 per cent cash rebate on all Pharmaniaga purchases, offering a valuable incentive to improve cash flow and optimise working capital.
Lawrence Loh, CIMB Group co-chief executive officer (group commercial and transaction banking), said that by offering extended credit terms and early settlement incentives, the bank is helping clinics, pharmacies, and medical buyers better manage cash flow and reduce operational strain while enhancing the quality of care they provide.
"We aim to further expand our healthcare SME portfolio, driven by strategic collaborations with ecosystem partners and enhanced access to digital, sector-focused financing solutions," he said in the statement.
Meanwhile, Pharmaniaga managing director Zulkifli Jafar said this collaboration reflects the pharmaceutical company's strong commitment to supporting its valued business partners with practical financial solutions to manage their supply chains more effectively.
"By offering greater payment flexibility and tailored financing options, we aim to empower our partners to grow sustainably while ensuring continuous access to a broad range of pharmaceutical products to serve their clients with confidence," he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Tariff uncertainties to pose zero direct impact on CIMB's FY2026: Group CEO
KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Group Holdings Bhd says the prevailing uncertainty surrounding global tariff policies will not have a direct impact on its financial performance for the financial year ending 2026 (FY2026). This will be due to the group's diversified income strategy and sustainable operational efficiency. CIMB Group chief executive officer Novan Amirudin said while global tariffs could potentially weigh on regional economic growth, the impact on the bank remains limited and largely depends on how the additional costs are distributed along the supply chain. "It depends on whether the costs are borne by producers in Asean, consumers in the United States, or absorbed by governments through incentives and supportive policies," he said during a fireside chat held in conjunction with CIMB's Asean Media Day today. He added that if restrictions on exports from China to the United States prompt manufacturers to relocate to Asean, any resulting oversupply could put pressure on local producers. "This situation could slow regional growth and indirectly affect the financial sector, as loan growth is closely tied to economic activity," he explained. Nevertheless, he said CIMB does not rely solely on interest income but has also strengthened its non-interest income streams. "About 30 per cent of the group's income comes from non-interest sources, including transaction fees, foreign exchange, payment solutions and advisory services. "These initiatives are aligned with our Forward 30 strategy, which emphasises revenue stream diversification," he said. On the recent Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) cut by Bank Negara Malaysia, he said the move impacts the lending rates offered to customers. CIMB also adjusted its deposit rates, such as fixed deposits, which are now at lower levels. "A lower OPR typically reduces funding costs. Therefore, the net impact on the bank depends on how much lending and deposit rates are adjusted. "If we are able to reduce deposit rates further, we can still maintain our net interest margins," he said.
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Status quo of low OPR until June 2026: Expert
KUALA LUMPUR: The current low interest rate environment, following Bank Negara Malaysia's move to cut the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 25 basis points, may remain at least until the first half of next year, an expert said. CIMB Bank Bhd chief investment office Ng Boon Hoa said Bank Negara appears to be taking a cautious approach in supporting the nation's economic growth. This is particularly in light of the risks from a potential global slowdown and the uncertainty surrounding Malaysia's yet-to-be-finalised tariff negotiations, he added. "We expect Bank Negara to maintain the current interest rate at 2.75 per cent at least until mid-2026. "It is rather difficult to make precise projections for 2027 and beyond, as external factors are constantly changing," he said during the presentation of CIMB's Asean Market Outlook in conjunction with the bank's Asean media day here today. According to Ng, the recent rate cut was a preemptive measure to absorb near-term uncertainties in economic growth. "If the current rate successfully spurs growth, Bank Negara is likely to remain comfortable with this level. Rate hikes would only be considered if there is significant strengthening in growth, possibly in 2027 or 2028, and even then, likely only once or twice," he said. Commenting on foreign fund flows, Ng said the domestic bond market is currently benefiting from these inflows, which in turn enhances liquidity in the financial system and supports lower borrowing costs. However, he cautioned that excessive inflows could risk contributing to inflationary pressures over the longer term and would require close monitoring by the monetary authorities. "Foreign funds can flow in and out quickly. We need to be cautious. The ringgit has shown some strengthening thanks to these inflows, but currency movements can change abruptly," he said. He pointed to the one per cent depreciation of the ringgit against the US dollar over the 20-day period since the end of June as an example of the uncertainties facing the local market.
BusinessToday
9 hours ago
- BusinessToday
Refuelling Sarawak's Growth
Sarawak is fast positioning itself as Malaysia's clean energy powerhouse with bold plans to quadruple power generation to 15GW by 2035. A recent field trip by CIMB Research to the state revealed that major shifts are underway — not just in energy, but also in infrastructure, digitalisation, and industrial expansion — aligned with Sarawak's Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). CIMB analysts identified key beneficiaries of the state's growth plans ahead of its next election, due by April 2027. Infrastructure giants like Gamuda and IJM, as well as Sarawak-based names Cahya Mata, Ibraco, Solarvest, CCK, and Supreme Consolidated, are all poised to ride the wave of development. A Green Leap Forward Sarawak's clean energy agenda is being driven by a pivot away from mega dams toward cascading hydro, floating solar, pumped hydro, and integrated hydro-solar projects. Its landmark hydrogen programmes, H2ornbill and H2biscus, aim to generate over 240,000 tonnes of hydrogen annually by 2029, with exports targeted at Japan and South Korea. The state's strategic shift includes deprioritising coal and rare earth mining, while doubling down on green cement, silica-based solar glass, and biofuels. Major infrastructure upgrades, including a RM4 billion water grid, are also underway to support these ambitions. Industrial Parks and Transport Mega-Projects Sarawak plans to construct 10 new industrial parks and 6 agro-parks, alongside the expansion of existing industrial hubs such as Samalaju Industrial Park (SIP) and Petchem Industrial Park in Kidurong. With strong demand, only 12% of land at SIP remains available, despite already attracting RM57 billion in investments. Infrastructure development is also intensifying. The state is pursuing transformative projects such as a new airport and deep seaport in Kuching, the Lawas Airport and port complex, and major road, water, and utility upgrades. The Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), featuring hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), is a headline initiative under Sarawak Metro, expected to begin operations in 2028. Phase 1 of KUTS, valued at over RM6 billion, will span 70km across 28 stations. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be supported by a purpose-built depot in Rembus, and a RM122 million contract for 55 feeder buses has already been awarded. Strategic Investment and Clean Energy Partnerships Sarawak's investment agency, InvestSarawak, operating under MINTRED, has been actively securing green investments. A notable development was the signing of an MoU with China's CRE International in 2024 to explore USD1.5 billion (RM6.4 billion) worth of solar, wind, and energy storage projects with a capacity target of 2GW. MINTRED has also launched ENBASE, a digital platform to support entrepreneurial development, and is spearheading efforts to attract investments in semiconductors, medical devices, and green hydrogen. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan recently led a trade mission to France, engaging with private equity firm Ardian on high-tech sector opportunities. SCORE and the Corridor Vision Driving long-term industrialisation is the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), which spans 80% of the state. Managed by RECODA, SCORE has already secured RM127 billion in approved investments across 464 projects, mainly in energy-intensive sectors. RECODA also oversees over 250 infrastructure projects and administers social programmes focused on poverty reduction, workforce upskilling, and rural development. Its regional development arms — URDA, HDA, and NRDA — have tailored master plans to ensure inclusive and area-specific progress. Election-Led Re-Rating Opportunities With the next Sarawak state election expected before April 2027, CIMB foresees a potential re-rating of Sarawak-linked stocks, particularly in infrastructure and consumer sectors. Companies like Gamuda and IJM are favoured for their involvement in road and public transport contracts, while Cahya Mata, Ibraco, Solarvest, CCK, and Supreme stand to benefit from surging state-level economic activity. However, risks remain. These include funding and talent constraints, rising competition from foreign contractors, and the still-limited participation of public-listed players in large hydrogen or hydroelectric ventures. Looking ahead, Sarawak's clear policy direction reinforces the state's vision to become a high-income and developed state by 2030. With a record-high RM15.8 billion budget for 2025 and 70% allocated to development, the transformation is not just aspirational — it's already underway. Related
