The measures to enhance access to financing are also reinforced by the provision of financial advisory services and by developing channels for redress by borrowers. The BNM LINK and TELELINK established by Bank Negara Malaysia and the ABM-Connect that has been set up by the Association of Banks in Malaysia serve as important conduits for greater interface between the banks and the borrowers. These measures are also complemented by the institutional framework to deal with problem loans in the retail and business segments. The Small Debt Resolution Scheme (SDRS), which was created in 2003 to facilitate the restructuring and rescheduling of credit facilities for small businesses has now been expanded to include all viable SMEs facing financial difficulties with financing from multiple financial institutions. Importance of Information Credit Bureaus Malaysia has been ranked number one in the world in terms of access to credit by the World Bank in 2008. Despite its favourable assessment, efforts will continue to be intensified to ensure that this access continues, particularly during this more challenging and uncertain time. The establishment of the SME Credit Bureau is one of these measures. The SME Credit Bureau is a vital element in the information credit bureau industry. SMEs are thus encouraged to maintain and compile the required information so as to enhance their potential access to credit. SMEs are expected to benefit greatly from the services of the SME Credit Bureau. Firstly, the SME Credit Bureau empowers SMEs to build their credit reputation from a wide range of transaction behaviors.

Consistent with the importance of the SME segment in the total loan portfolio, financial institutions should also regularly interface with SME associations so that financial services rendered to the sector can be more customised to the specific requirements of the sector. In this current challenging period of slower growth, financial institutions need to understand and address early the problems being faced by the SMEs. This may involve adopting greater flexibility in structuring SMEs' financing facilities including in the restructuring programmes and to provide the supporting financial advisory services. In addition, early assessments and taking the appropriate remedial actions before the financial conditions deteriorate will avoid other more costly solutions. In this highly challenging environment, SMEs also need to initiate their own measures to achieve greater cost efficiency and to enhance productivity improvements. This would involve looking at every facet of the business operations and to identify ways to streamline processes, eliminate waste, consolidate activities and adopt new technology and energyefficient processes. A number of funds have been established to support these enhancements. Other initiatives could include the pooling of resource requirements such as the purchase of common raw materials to benefit from bulk discounts from suppliers and to share transportation costs. The Chambers of Commerce and Industry associations can have an important coordinating role in such undertakings. Experience-sharing sessions can also be organized in which successful members can share experiences in achieving cost efficiency and productivity improvements. Equally important is increasing the value creation and seeking new areas of business growth.