MY · Country summary
Malaysia
Last updated: 28 Sep 2026
BNM held the OPR at 2.75% after first-half growth of 5.7%; inflation averaged 1.8% in January–July and unemployment was 3.0% in July.
Key indicators and definitions
| Indicator | Value | Definition and scope | Basis date | Source | Definition and source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overnight Policy Rate (BNM) | 2.75%unchanged | Bank Negara Malaysia policy rateMalaysia, national | 3 Sep 2026 | Bank Negara Malaysia: Monetary Policy Statement (3 September 2026) | Definition and sourceBank Negara Malaysia policy rate Scope: Malaysia, national Source: Bank Negara Malaysia: Monetary Policy Statement (3 September 2026) |
| Real GDP growth, first half 2026 | 5.7% | Year-on-year real GDP growth, January–June 2026Malaysia, national | 30 Jun 2026 | Bank Negara Malaysia: Monetary Policy Statement (3 September 2026) | Definition and sourceYear-on-year real GDP growth, January–June 2026 Scope: Malaysia, national Source: Bank Negara Malaysia: Monetary Policy Statement (3 September 2026) |
| Average headline inflation, January–July | 1.8% | Average year-on-year headline CPI inflation, January–July 2026Malaysia, national | 31 Jul 2026 | Bank Negara Malaysia: Monetary Policy Statement (3 September 2026) | Definition and sourceAverage year-on-year headline CPI inflation, January–July 2026 Scope: Malaysia, national Source: Bank Negara Malaysia: Monetary Policy Statement (3 September 2026) |
| Unemployment rate (DOSM) | 3.0%unchanged from June | Unemployed persons as a share of the labour forceMalaysia, Labour Force Survey (DOSM) | 31 Jul 2026 | BERNAMA: Unemployment Rate Unchanged At 3.0 Pct In July - DOSM | Definition and sourceUnemployed persons as a share of the labour force Scope: Malaysia, Labour Force Survey (DOSM) Source: BERNAMA: Unemployment Rate Unchanged At 3.0 Pct In July - DOSM |
Articles
- Data as of 2026-09-23Digital infrastructure
Credit bureau CTOS reports unauthorised access and temporarily suspends some reports
CTOS Digital detected unauthorised access to an environment supporting its consumer business and disclosed it to Bursa Malaysia.
- Data as of 2026-09-21Digital infrastructure
New MyKad fails eKYC verification at several providers; registration department responds
The new-generation MyKad, issued from 18 September, is not being recognised by providers' eKYC systems.
- Data as of 2026-09-19Regulation
Reducing-balance hire purchase now offered by 14 of 20 banks in Malaysia
The amended Hire-Purchase Act (in force 1 June) abolishes the flat-rate method and the Rule of 78.
- Data as of 2026-09-14Competition & capital
GXBank signs IFC loss-sharing deal covering up to USD 110 m of MSME loans
IFC will provide first-loss cover of up to USD 4.95 m on MSME lending of up to USD 110 m.
- Data as of 2026-09-11Macro & households
Malaysia's July unemployment steady at 3.0%; youth rate at 10.2%
The July unemployment rate was 3.0%, unchanged from June, with 520,300 unemployed (DOSM).
- Data as of 2026-09-03Macro & households
BNM holds OPR at 2.75%; 2026 growth projected at about 5%
BNM kept the Overnight Policy Rate at 2.75% at its 3 September MPC meeting.