Malaysian economy expected to grow more than 5pct for third consecutive year: Amir Hamzah
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian economy is expected to record growth of more than five per cent for the third consecutive year, driven by consistently strong economic performance, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
Malaysian economy poised to expand by over 5 percent for a third consecutive year, according to Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. The Finance Minister attributed this growth to the country's robust economic performance, with GDP expanding by 5.1 percent in 2024 and 5.2 percent in 2025. Hamzah expressed optimism that Malaysia's GDP would surpass the 5 percent mark for the third year in a row in 2026, citing preliminary estimates from the Statistics Department.
The preliminary figures for the third quarter of 2026 indicate an anticipated growth rate of 5.3 percent, which aligns with the overall growth trajectory for the year. The Minister highlighted the Madani Economic framework as the driving force behind this impressive economic expansion, stating that it aimed to elevate the economic ceiling and create more opportunities for employment and wealth generation within the nation.
This, in turn, would enable the government to strengthen the economic floor, ensuring that the benefits of growth are more equitably distributed among the population. The Minister further elaborated on Budget 2027's focus on raising people's incomes through measures such as increasing the minimum wage and encouraging GLICs and GLCs to offer fairer wages, thereby ensuring that the advantages of economic growth reach the broader populace.
Despite acknowledging that not all citizens directly benefit from economic growth, the government has taken steps to provide targeted assistance through initiatives like Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), as well as the intensified Payung Rahmah program, to alleviate cost-of-living pressures. The Finance Minister emphasized that the Madani Government's strategies encompass not only economic growth but also the equitable distribution of its benefits to the people.
The Finance Run 2026, an annual event organized by the Ministry of Finance and its agencies, saw an increased participation of more than 2,000 individuals. Held in conjunction with National Sports Day, the programme was postponed due to the haze but remained committed to fostering camaraderie and collaboration among MoF staff and personnel from its agencies.
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