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Malaysian Central Bank Sets Overnight Policy Rate at 2.75%

Bursa Malaysia Berhad Sees 17.9% Drop in Profit for FY2025 and Announces Dividend

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Malaysia's economic growth is projected to slow to 5.3% in Q1 2025, down from 6.3% in Q4 2024, according to a Reuters poll. This slowdown is attributed to a normalization in growth, despite strong household consumption supported by fuel subsidies and ongoing exports. The economy is expected to grow 4.5% for the year, aligning with Bank Negara Malaysia's forecast. The mining sector saw a contraction of 1.1% due to reduced crude oil and natural gas production. Bank Negara maintained its interest rate at 2.75% for stability and sustainable growth.

- According to a Reuters survey, Malaysia's economic growth is expected to slow in the first quarter following its largest expansion in over three years, primarily due to normalization of growth.  
- Strong household consumption, supported by fuel subsidies, and continued export demand are sustaining the economy, with anticipated year-on-year growth of 5.3% for early 2025.  
- Despite a contraction in mining, growth remains resilient, projected at an average of 4.4% for the year, aligning with Bank Negara Malaysia’s forecast of 4% to 5%.

Asiaone

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Thomson Reuters

Malaysia economic growth likely slowed to 5.3 per cent in January-March

Malaysia is considering further cuts to fuel subsidies despite the potential for a general election this year. Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong indicated that the government may reduce the quota of subsidised fuel while protecting lower-income individuals amid rising global energy costs. The government is also reviewing a targeted subsidy approach for higher-income earners. Malaysia's fuel subsidy spending has surged, with expected costs reaching RM7 billion in April, significantly higher than before the Iran conflict. The subsidised fuel price remains unchanged at RM1.99 per litre since February 28.

Businesstimes News

Malaysia mulls further fuel subsidy cuts even as election looms

Malaysia will proceed with its fuel subsidy reform despite the looming possibility of a general election, as stated by Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong. The government is committed to its reform agenda to ensure economic stability and sustainability, focusing on long-term fiscal health. This decision is part of broader efforts to address fiscal deficits and optimize resource allocation, although specific details on the timeline or nature of the reforms have not been disclosed.

CoinLive

Malaysia to Proceed with Fuel Subsidy Reform Amid Election Speculation

Malaysia's economic growth is projected to slow to 5.3% in Q1 2025, down from 6.3% in Q4 2024, according to a Reuters poll. This slowdown is attributed to a normalization in growth, despite strong household consumption supported by fuel subsidies and ongoing exports. The economy is expected to grow 4.5% for the year, aligning with Bank Negara Malaysia's forecast. The mining sector saw a contraction of 1.1% due to reduced crude oil and natural gas production. The central bank maintained its interest rate at 2.75% for stability and sustainable growth.

- A Reuters survey of economists indicates that Malaysia's economic growth may slow in Q1 after achieving its largest expansion in over three years in the previous quarter.  
- Strong household consumption supported by fuel subsidies and ongoing exports continue to bolster the economy, although a forecasted growth of 5.3% for Q1 2025 is lower than 6.3% in the last quarter.  
- Despite some sectors contracting, overall growth remains resilient, with the Bank Negara Malaysia maintaining the benchmark interest rate at 2.75% to support price stability and sustainable economic growth.

Malaysia economic growth likely slowed to 5.3% in January-March

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Malaysia aims for a 7% share of the global advanced semiconductor packaging market by 2035, supported by a MYR 92 million R&D grant for a consortium of five local companies. The initiative, part of the National Semiconductor Strategy, focuses on enhancing the industry’s value chain, moving from traditional assembly to advanced packaging, driven by AI and high-performance computing demand. Malaysia, currently the sixth-largest semiconductor exporter, seeks to avoid low-margin traps and develop local talent, while strengthening industry-academia collaboration.

TechNode

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Malaysia eyes 7 percent global advanced packaging share by 2035

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will announce a strategy to stabilize the nation's oil supply amid uncertainties from the Iran conflict. This move aims to mitigate potential disruptions in Malaysia's energy sector, as heightened tensions in the Middle East raise concerns over global oil markets. The strategy will address both immediate and long-term challenges in securing Malaysia's energy needs.

Malaysia to Announce Plan to Secure Oil Supply Amid Iran Conflict

Malaysia is implementing cloud seeding to combat drought affecting rice production in its northern region, which is crucial for food security. The agricultural minister highlighted that prolonged dry weather has delayed planting, with farmers missing two of three planting phases. While over 50% of rice fields are prepared, few have been planted due to lack of rain. Rising fuel costs further complicate the situation. The government is also introducing programs to offset these costs, but farmers express skepticism about the effectiveness of the measures.

Taipei Times

Malaysia eyes cloud seeding as drought drags on

Bank Negara Malaysia will release final first-quarter growth data on Friday, with advance estimates indicating a 5.3% growth rate. The economy is expected to maintain its momentum due to strong domestic demand and exports, supported by government subsidies that help control inflation and boost consumer spending. Rising investments, particularly in data centers, are also anticipated to bolster demand, according to Capital Economics.

- Bank Negara Malaysia will release the final first-quarter growth data, with advance estimates indicating a 5.3% growth rate.  
- This growth is supported by resilient domestic demand, strong exports, and government subsidies that help contain inflation.  
- Rising investments, particularly in data centers, are also expected to bolster demand in the economy.

MorningStar

Week Ahead for FX, Bonds: U.S. Inflation Data, -2-

Malaysia's Digital Minister, Gobind Singh Deo, emphasized the need for the country to develop its own digital capabilities to ensure economic resilience. Speaking at a forum, he stated that merely hosting foreign technology is insufficient for sovereignty. The government aims to strengthen infrastructure through initiatives like JENDELA and the 5G rollout, while also fostering local innovation and talent. Gobind highlighted the importance of building a national AI framework to enhance public services and address rising living costs. He acknowledged the challenges of achieving digital sovereignty amid rapid global technological advancements.

Nomura Holdings, Inc.(1560.JP)

Malaysia economic growth likely slowed to 5.3 per cent in January-March

Malaysia mulls further fuel subsidy cuts even as election looms

Malaysia to Proceed with Fuel Subsidy Reform Amid Election Speculation

Malaysia economic growth likely slowed to 5.3% in January-March

Malaysia eyes 7 percent global advanced packaging share by 2035