00:00The World Bank has raised its forecast from Malaysia's 2026 economic growth to 4.4% from
00:064.1% despite rising tensions in the Middle East.
00:10Its lead economist from Malaysia, Apoor Vasangi, said the country is entering this crisis period
00:15mostly from a position of strength.
00:18He cited Malaysia's resilient macroeconomic fundamentals, even as downside risks from
00:23geopolitical conflicts, trade tensions and structural shifts in global supply chains
00:28cloud the economic outlook.
00:30During a briefing on Part 1 of the World Bank's April 2026 Malaysia Economic Monitor, Apoor Vas
00:36said that Malaysia's economic growth exceeded expectations in 2025 and is above 5% today,
00:42surpassing the regional average.
00:44He added that real income per capita was about RM43,000 in 2019 compared to about RM49,000
00:51currently.
00:52In terms of the unemployment rate, he said it was 3.3% during the COVID-19 period while
00:58it is less than 3% today.
01:00However, inflation was 0.7% back then compared to 1.6% today.
01:06He said Malaysia's economic growth in 2026 will be driven mainly by private consumption.
01:11Donish Rajareza, FMT.
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