MALAYSIA: CIMB Islamic Bank plans to invest RM1.5 billion (US$446 million) in an effort to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the halal industry due to the proven success of the segment which commenced in late 2006 with a zero base, said CEO Badlisyah Abdul Ghani. He called the collaboration an ongoing process and said the indirect intention is to secure SMEs in the halal industry which are currently not its clients.