Indonesia To Boost Coal Output As Oil Prices Surge

JAKARTA, March 20 (Bernama) -- Indonesia plans to increase coal production in response to rising global oil prices, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said.

IMF Warns Prolonged Energy Price Surge Could Lift Inflation

ISTANBUL, March 20 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Thursday that a sustained rise in energy prices stemming from the war in West Asia could push global inflation higher and weigh on economic output.

Malaysia’s Macro Position Is Stronger To Weather Shock Compared To Pandemic Era, Says World Bank's Apurva

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s stronger ringgit is helping to ease the impact of rising global import prices, although the country’s import cover has declined, compared with pre-COVID 19 pandemic levels, said the World Bank's lead economist for Malaysia, Dr Apurva Sanghi.

Malaysia's Targeted Subsidies Expected To Moderate Inflation Pressure Amid West Asia Conflict, Says MARC

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s headline inflation is expected to remain manageable, supported by the government’s targeted subsidies, amid the West Asia conflict, according to the Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd (MARC).

Funds May Favour Commodity Exporters Like Malaysia Amid West Asia Uncertainties - Economist

By Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- Heightened geopolitical uncertainty surrounding developments in the Strait of Hormuz could influence global capital flows, with commodity-exporting economies such as Malaysia potentially better positioned amid rising energy prices.

Oil Price Shock Could Force Indonesia To Breach Three Per Cent GDP Deficit Rule

JAKARTA, March 13 (Bernama) -- Indonesia may struggle to keep its budget deficit within the legal ceiling of three per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) if global oil prices continue to surge due to prolonged geopolitical tensions, potentially forcing the government to consider extraordinary fiscal measures.

AM Best Downgrades Petronas Captive Insurer ENERGAS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 (Bernama) -- AM Best has downgraded the financial strength rating to A- (Excellent) from A (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating to “a-” (Excellent) from “a” (Excellent) of Malaysia’s Energas Insurance (L) Limited (ENERGAS).

Ringgit Opens Easier Against US Dollar, Firmer Against Majors

KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 (Bernama) -- The ringgit opened higher against a basket of major currencies but weakened against the US dollar on Friday, as escalating tensions in West Asia dampened risk appetite, an economist said.

First Meeting Of Fifth Session Of 15th Parliament Ends, West Asia Among Top Concerns

KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 (Bernama) -- The Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara sessions for the First Meeting of 2026, which ended today, saw the focus given to boosting the country’s economic resilience, fiscal management, and the government’s efforts to monitor the impact of the West Asia conflicts on the national and global economy.

Dewan Negara Approves Supplementary Supply Bill (2025) 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 (Bernama) -- The Dewan Negara has passed the Supplementary Supply Bill (2025) 2026 for the first additional operating expenditure for 2025 amounting to RM8.4 billion.

Higher Oil Prices Pose Fiscal, Inflation Risks For Asia -- OCBC

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- Following the surge in global oil prices on March 9, Asian governments face heightened fiscal and inflationary risks from rising global oil prices as the region remains structurally dependent on energy imports, said OCBC.

Strong 2025 Growth Provides Tailwind For Malaysia To Bolster 1Q 2026 Performance - Amir Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's economic performance last year, which recorded 5.2 per cent growth, is expected to cushion the country against global economic uncertainties and bolster its performance in the first quarter (1Q) of this year, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.