OPR dikekalkan beri ruang perniagaan berkembang, kata Amir Hamzah

Menteri Kewangan II, Amir Hamzah Azizan, revealed that the Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) decision to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) is based on controlled inflation and a strong Malaysian economy. Speaking after the 2026 Finance Ministry event coinciding with National Day, Hamzah explained that the stable financing environment gives room for the business sector to continue developing.

"Bank Negara, through the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) process, sees inflation under control and the industrial output index (KDNK) still robust," he stated. The MPC's sixth and final meeting of the year decided to maintain the OPR at 2.75%. Analysts predict the OPR will rise by 25 basis points to 3.0% in the first quarter of 2027, driven by resilient economic growth and higher-than-expected inflation from the central bank.

Unlike some countries experiencing high inflation pressure, a strong economy and supply chain disruptions in Malaysia make it unlikely to rely on interest rates to control the economy. "We don't have the issues seen in other countries, with high inflation pressure, an overheating economy, and supply chain disruptions that force them to use interest rates to control," Hamzah said.

He added that the comprehensive government approach to managing the economy also helps Malaysia maintain a better economic outlook. "Given the comprehensive approach taken by the government here, I believe we can achieve a better economic situation," he concluded.