Malaysia Holds Policy Rate Steady at 2.75%

The Central Bank of Malaysia held its key interest rate unchanged at 2.75% for a third consecutive meeting in January 2026, marking its first monetary policy decision of the year and in line with market expectations. The board said the decision was appropriate and supportive of economic growth amid stable prices. Headline and core inflation averaged 1.4% and 2.0%, respectively, in 2025. Looking ahead, headline inflation is expected to remain moderate in 2026 amid continued easing in global cost pressures, while core inflation is projected to stay stable and close to its long-term average. Preliminary data showed the economy grew 4.9% in 2025, slowing from 5.1% in 2024. Growth momentum is expected to continue in 2026, supported by resilient domestic demand. However, the outlook remains uncertain, particularly amid evolving global developments. The MPC said it will continue to monitor ongoing conditions and assess the balance of risks to the outlook for domestic growth and inflation.

The Central Bank of Malaysia kept its key interest rate unchanged at 2.75% for a second consecutive meeting in November 2025, in line with market expectations. The board said the decision was appropriate and supportive of economic growth amid stable prices. Year-to-date, headline and core inflation averaged 1.4% and 1.9%, respectively. Looking ahead, headline inflation is expected to remain moderate in 2026 amid continued easing in global cost pressures, while core inflation is projected to stay stable and close to its long-term average. Recent data indicate better-than-expected GDP performance in Q3 2025, driven by sustained domestic demand, resilient electrical and electronics exports, and a recovery in commodity production. Preliminary data showed annual economic growth of 5.2% in Q3. Looking ahead, resilient domestic demand should continue to underpin growth into 2026. However, the outlook remains uncertain, particularly due to potential global developments.

The Central Bank of Malaysia kept its key interest rate unchanged at 2.75% during its August 2025 policy meeting, aligning with market expectations. The Board reiterated that the decision was appropriate and supportive of the economy amid price stability. Headline inflation averaged 1.4% over the first seven months of the year and is projected to remain moderate through 2025 and 2026, supported by subdued global cost pressures. Core inflation, which averaged 1.9% during the same period, is expected to stay stable and near its historical average. This suggests a steady pace of economic activity without signs of significant demand-driven price pressures. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s economy expanded by 4.4% in the first half of 2025, with full-year growth projected to grow within the 4.0% to 4.8% range. The outlook is underpinned by resilient consumer spending and strong investment momentum. Looking ahead to 2026, domestic demand is anticipated to remain robust and the main driver of growth.