KUALA LUMPUR, 16 April 2026 – Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Chairman, Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, has affirmed that Malaysia’s economy continues to show strong resilience despite facing multiple international crises, including tensions in the Middle East that are impacting global oil prices.
In a post on the X platform today, Tengku Zafrul posed the rhetorical question: “Can the economy still grow even in a crisis?” accompanied by the hashtags #TZA #EkonomiRakyat #MADANIBekerja. He also shared a short 53-second video in which he highlighted the country’s positive growth outlook.
The video shows Tengku Zafrul speaking directly, featuring graphs and text overlays such as “Tak Turun!”, “World Bank”, “4.4%”, and phrases including “and activities”, “When oil prices”, “our focus is not” and “build now.” It aims to deliver a message of confidence in the prospects of the people-centric Madani economy.
This assertion is in line with the latest forecasts from international financial institutions. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently upgraded its projection for Malaysia’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2026 to 4.7 percent (an increase of 0.4 percentage points from the previous forecast of 4.3 percent), while the 2027 forecast remains at 4.3 percent.
Last week, the World Bank also raised its forecast for Malaysia’s 2026 economic growth to 4.4 percent from 4.1 percent, despite geopolitical uncertainties. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) expects growth of between 4 and 5 percent for the same year.
This growth is supported by robust domestic demand, a stable labour market, and continued consumer spending, although risks remain from regional conflicts that could drive up energy costs.
First-quarter 2026 GDP data is expected to be released tomorrow, with market consensus forecasting strong year-on-year growth of around 5.5 percent.
Tengku Zafrul, who also serves as Senior Political Advisor to the Prime Minister, continues to actively promote Malaysia’s investment potential and economic strength on the international stage. He emphasized that the Madani government is taking proactive steps to ensure the economy remains stable and delivers benefits to the people.
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