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2026-02-16 10:23:15
[CIMB Report: Service Sector Momentum Continues, Malaysia's Economy Shows Strong First-Quarter Growth] CIMB economists Chew Khai Yen and Michelle Chia stated in a report that Malaysia's service sector growth momentum is likely to continue into the first quarter, driven by government cash assistance programs, festive spending, and tourism. Therefore, they have revised their 2026 GDP growth forecast upward to 4.5% from the previous 4.4%, reflecting the stronger momentum entering the first quarter, although this effect is partially offset by a higher base in the second half of the year. The two economists maintain their assessment that the Central Bank of Malaysia will keep interest rates unchanged at 2.75% by the end of 2026, as the moderate inflation outlook provides room for holding rates steady.
