KUALA LUMPUR: Operational outlook among Malaysia's micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) remains resilient over the next six to 12 months despite a weaker SME Sentiment Index (SSI) reading for the first half of 2026 (1H 2026).

In a survey released today, Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Bhd (SME Bank) said  although the SSI for 1H 2026 fell to a historic low of 45.1 from 55.6 in 2H 2025, a majority of businesses still anticipate sales growth, continued expansion and ongoing marketing efforts.