KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 — Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) expects the full-year gross domestic product (GDP) growth to be at the upper end of its forecast range of 4.0 per cent to 4.8 per cent, said its Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour.
The nation's economy grew by 4.7 per cent in the first nine months of 2025, well within the central bank’s forecast range.
“We are now at the upper end of the range,” he said during a joint press conference by BNM and the Malaysia Statistics Department in conjunction with the announcement of the third quarter (3Q) 2025 GDP performance today.
Malaysia reported a GDP growth of 5.2 per cent in 3Q 2025, supported by sustained domestic demand and higher net exports. The economy grew 4.4 per cent in the first and second quarters of the year.
Rasheed noted that overall growth is subject to both downside and upside risks, including a further slowdown in trade due to higher tariffs imposed by the United States (US), weaker sentiment amid uncertainty affecting spending and investment, and lower-than-expected commodity production.
“On the other hand, growth could be higher with more pro-growth policies in major economies, favourable outcomes from remaining US trade negotiations, higher demand for electrical and electronics goods, as well as more robust tourism activity,” he said.
