KUALA LUMPUR: SME Bank aims to disburse RM1bil in loans to small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) next year.

Its managing director Datuk Mohd Radzif Mohd Yunus said the loan disbursement would focus on projects under the National Key Economic Areas and SME Bank's three i-Programme.

Mohd Radzif said the bank had RM4.4bil of loans in its portfolio to date.

“We plan to raise RM3bil of sukuk in the next three years to tap the financial resources from the Islamic bond market,” he said at the launch of the i-Programme i-Surf, i-Reach and i-Splash here yesterday.

Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir officiated at the launch of the programme.

i-Surf is a financing scheme for SME Bank's existing clients with good repayment record; i-Reach refers to contract financing for the construction sector; and i-Splash is supply contracts financing.

Mohd Radzi said the bank planned to expand its branches from 19 to 22 by opening a branch each in Batu Pahat, Kajang and Klang.

“We also plan mini-branches in Sungai Petani, Kemaman, Rawang, Pasir Gudang, Lahad Datu, Bintulu and Sandakan,” he said. He said the bank would spent RM1.5mil to set up these branches. - Bernama