Siti Asiah Is Appointed Chief Statistician

PUTRAJAYA, July 15 (Bernama) – Department of Statistics Malaysia’s deputy chief statistician (economic programme) Siti Asiah Ahmad has been named chief statistician, effective today.

Fiscal Deficit Marginally Higher Despite More Allocated For Fuel Subsidy -- HLIB

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is expected to keep its 2026 fiscal deficit broadly on track despite allocating an additional RM25 billion for fuel subsidies, with the deficit to come in at 3.6 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Rubber Market Ends Lower On Expectation Of Higher Supply From Thailand

By Muhammad Fawwaz Thaqif Nor Afandi

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur rubber market closed lower on Wednesday, despite gains across regional rubber futures markets.

Govt To Study The Need For National Petroleum Reserve Stock - PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- The government will study the need and strategies for creating a national petroleum reserve stock as a measure to ensure energy security and strengthen the country's resilience in the face of geopolitical uncertainties and global supply crises.

HLIB Lifts Malaysia’s 2026 GDP Forecast To 4.7 Pct On Strong E&E Exports

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- Stronger-than-expected electrical and electronics (E&E) exports and robust global semiconductor demand have prompted Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) to raise Malaysia’s 2026 gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast to 4.7 per cent from 4.5 per cent previously.

No Changes To Fiscal Projections Under Budget 2027 For Now -- Liew

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- There is no need to review current projections under Budget 2027 based on the government’s fiscal performance for the first half of 2026, said Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong. 

Indonesia's External Debt Rises To US$444.4 Bln In May

JAKARTA, July 15 (Bernama) -- Indonesia's external debt rose to US$444.4 billion in May, with annual growth accelerating slightly to 2.1 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) from 2.0 per cent in April, supported by continued expansion in public sector borrowing.

APO Hands Over Nepal's 10-Year Productivity Master Plan

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- The Asian Productivity Organization (APO), a regional intergovernmental organisation, has formally handed over the National Productivity Master Plan for Nepal 2026–2036 to the Government of Nepal during an online ceremony jointly organised with the National Productivity and Economic Development Centre (NPEDC) and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies.

Malaysia’s 2Q GDP Growth Expected To Moderate -- Economist

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s second quarter (2Q 2026) gross domestic product (GDP) growth is expected to moderate to 4.8-5.0 per cent from 5.4 per cent in 1Q 2026, an economist said.

Hold Multinational Military Stress Tests In Melaka Strait To Better Prepare For Geopolitical Crises - Analyst

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- Countries bordering the Strait of Melaka must embark on a multinational defence cooperation by conducting stress tests and simulations in the strait to better prepare for potential geopolitical crises, an analyst said.

Govt Not Planning To Reverse Decision New CBU EV Import Rules

KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 (Bernama) -- The government does not intend to reverse the recently announced new rules for importing completely built-up (CBU) electric vehicles (EVs), according to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).

National Trust Fund Bill 2026 Tabled For First Reading In Dewan Rakyat

KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 (Bernama) -- The National Trust Fund Bill 2026, which aims to establish the National Trust Fund (KWAN) and incorporate the National Trust Fund (Incorporated) as the governing body to administer, manage and invest the fund, was tabled for the first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today.