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Malaysian economy supported by strong fundamentals, says Lim

savemalaysia
Publish date: Mon, 17 Sep 2018, 05:18 PM
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian economy remains fundamentally strong and resilient despite recent global events that pose downside risks to global economic growth, said Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.

In a statement on Monday, he said emerging markets, including Malaysia, have been especially exposed to these risks.

However, Lim highlighted that the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Composite Index and the local currency have remained among the best performing in the region, while other factors point towards the strength in Malaysia's economy.

"Despite all these headwinds, let us not forget that the Malaysian economy is fundamentally strong and resilient. Our strengths can be seen from eight factors," he said. 

 

 First on the list of factors cited by Lim was the steady growth of Malaysian economy, driven by domestic and external demand. 

"With growth in 2018 expected to be around 5%, Malaysia will still be one of the fastest growing economies in the region."

Malaysia also benefits from a diversified economy with services accounting for 54.5% of gross domestic product while manufacturing accounts for more than 80% of the country's total exports.

The unemployment rate in Malaysia is low, registering 3.4% in July while private sector wages grew 6.2% in the first half of 2018.

The current account surplus stood at 2.8% of gross national income in the first half of the year and is expected to remain in surplus moving forward. 

"Even more positively, the goods surplus will continue to be supported by a highly competitive and diversified export sector," said Lim. 

With the ringgit being a fully flexible or floating currency, Lim said the curency is able to play a role as a "shock absorber" in times of stress.

"Nevertheless, it is highly important for businesses to recognise that exchange rate adjustments are unavoidable and are ready to manage their currency exposures prudently. 

"In the medium-term, as the Government continues to improve our economic fundamentals, the ringgit will eventually reflect these positive developments."

Malaysia also has an international reserve position of US$104.4bil, which is adequate to facilitate international transaction but represents only a quarter of Malaysia's total external assets.

"Banks and corporations hold three-quarters of Malaysia’s external assets (as at end-2Q 2018: RM1.3 trillion), which can also be drawn upon to meet their external debt obligations (RM740.9 billion), without creating a claim on international reserves. 

"Our financial institutions also remain well-capitalised with sufficient liquidity to support intermediation within the economy," said Lim.

Furthermore, the low inflation rate of 0.8% in June and 1.1% in July will shield Malaysia from any imported inflation caused by the ringgit's decline against the US dollar.

With regards to the US-China trade conflict, Lim said it was a unique investment opportunity for the country as many companies from the two nations, especially large manufacturers,are seeking to site their facilities in Malaysia.

Lim said Malaysians' level of education, quality of hard and soft infrastructure as well as fluency in both English and Chinese presents an advantage over neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Simultaneously, the country remains a cheaper investment destination than others such as Singapore and Hong Kong.

With regards to the domestic economy, Lim said the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER)consumer sentiment index reached a 21-year high of 132.9 in July while the MIER business conditions index registered 116.3 points that same month, its highest since 2015. 

 

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2018/09/17/malaysian-economy-supported-by-strong-fundamentals/

 

Discussions
1 person likes this. Showing 11 of 11 comments

calvintaneng

Good.

LGE should give more positive statements like this rather than harping on Rm1 trillions debt which is overdone.

These positive statements will:

1. Keep Malaysians from sending monies outside Malaysia due to unwarranted fear.

2. Help bring back investments and oversea cash

3. Create confidence

4. Gives stability for investors

5. Encourage more FDI

6. Spur spending in new businesses

7. Overall new found faith in Malaysia

2018-09-17 18:03

mansaham1972

Kenyataan cerdik pertama yg dikeluarkan oleh menteri kewangan dan inilah yg sepatutnya.malaysia perlu bergerak ke depan.isu datuk seri najib,hutang 1 trilion dan 1mdb tak perlu disensasikan utk kepentingan politik barulah bursa saham berpeluang mengukuh dan ekonomi kembali stabil.

2018-09-17 18:12

shortinvestor77

1 trillion debt is considered strong fundamental? Lie.

2018-09-17 18:29

Speedy Boy

Well, for next year budget, Pakatan must go for surplus fiscal prudent! And please take the necessary reform to downsize civil service too! Malaysia has over 1.7 million staff and half of the budget already allocate for salary and retirement!

2018-09-17 18:34

joekit

aiya....now world market on red alert ady only issue a positive statement...hehe....i duno lar...i oso hope it helps bursa from crashing....yeah!

2018-09-17 18:49

EngineeringProfit

Only way for Malaysian economy is up, finance minister says


KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 — Strong economic fundamentals, good governance, and fiscal responsibility would only mean an upward trend for Malaysian economy amid global uncertainty, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said today.



https://sg.news.yahoo.com/only-way-malaysian-economy-finance-093804371.html

2018-09-17 18:52

i3gambler

Where got 1T debt, officially still 725B only.

http://www.bnm.gov.my/index.php?ch=statistic_nsdp

2018-09-17 18:57

EngineeringProfit

As long as the worst is over.....

.........let's hear only nonstop good news after today



BERSIH....CEKAP.....AMANAH

2018-09-17 19:01

Speedy Boy

Suddenly the 'missing' GST 17 billion no longer an issue just like Altantuyah murder case! Well, i guess LGE cry wolf days no longer attract attention!

2018-09-17 19:06

FamousAmos

after 4 months bankrupted malaysia now has strong fundamental.. i am terkejut

2018-09-17 19:59

EngineeringProfit

Hutang keliling pinggang....yes

Leaking through many holes....yes

Fundamental........strong

Future.........a test of leadership.....managerial skills...bla..bla...etc

Now RM to SGD 3:1..........

Future........1:1........or even 1:3






YES, WE CAN .......CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE ( B. H. OBAMA)

2018-09-17 20:09

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