Petroleum-related revenue is forecast to fall to RM43.9 billion — or 18.8% of total revenue — in 2022, more than half of which will be in the form of Petroliam National Bhd (Petronas) dividends.

Petroleum-related revenue forecast to fall to 18.8% of total govt revenue in 2022

As at end-September 2020, a total of RM13.4 billion in assets linked to 1Malaysia Development Bhd's financial trail had been recovered and merged into a dedicated trust fund administered by the Ministry of Finance (MoF), according to MoF 2021 Fiscal Outlook and Federal Government Revenue Estimates released today.

RM13.4 billion recovered from 1MDB assets as at September

Malaysia's gross export earnings are expected to rebound 2.7% in 2021 after a projected 5.2% decline in 2020, helped by the recovery in global trade and supply chains, according to the Ministry of Finance's Economic Outlook 2021 report.

Malaysia's 2021 gross exports seen growing 2.7% after 5.2% decline in 2020

Malaysia's gross domestic product is expected to grow between 6.5% and 7.5% in 2021, after a 4.5% contraction in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Malaysia's economy expected to grow 6.5%-7.5% in 2021 after 4.5% contraction in 2020

The Government expects its fiscal deficit to swell to 6% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020 — the largest gap since the Global Financial Crisis in 2009, due to the additional stimulus packages to lift the country’s economy out of the doldrum plus lower GDP as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The original forecast of the fiscal deficit was at 3.2%, compared with 3.4% recorded in 2019, according to the Economic Report 2021 released by the Ministry of Finance.

Malaysia’s fiscal deficit rises to 6% of GDP — the highest since GFC

The Federal Government has revised upwards its 2020 total expenditure allocation to RM314.7 billion from the initial budget estimate of RM297 billion as the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic crisis necessitated the Government to implement an extensive expansionary fiscal stance, according to the Ministry of Finance's (MOF) Fiscal Outlook 2021 report.

The MOF said the net increase of RM17.7 billion in the total expenditure allocation is derived from the estimated fiscal stimulus injection at RM38 billion and savings from expenditure amounting to RM20.3 billion

Govt 2020 expenditure allocation revised to RM314.7b from RM297b

Debt service charges are expected to remain manageable at RM34.9 billion or 15.4% of total projected government revenue in 2020, despite being higher than the initial estimate of 14.3% announced under Budget 2020.

Debt service charges to increase to RM34.9b or 15.4% of govt revenue in 2020

Malaysia’s total debt rose to RM1 trillion or 69.7% of gross domestic product (GDP) as at end-June 2020, mainly contributed by net issuance of international bonds and notes from public enterprises and the private sector.

The Ministry of Finance’s (MoF) Fiscal Outlook 2021, however, noted that in general, Malaysia’s external debt position remains manageable. The external debt with medium- and long-term tenures accounted for 58.7% of total external debt, indicating low refinancing risk, the report highlighted.

Malaysia’s external debt up to RM1 trillion at end-June 2020

The government’s revenue is projected to drop by 14% to RM227.3 billion in 2020, compared with RM264.4 billion in 2019, as a result of lower tax collection, according to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) in its Fiscal Outlook 2021 report.

Public revenue to shrink to RM227.3b in 2020 amid lower tax collection

All supply-side sectors of the Malaysian economy are expected to contract in 2020 due to the unprecendented Covid-19 pandemic crisis before rebounding in 2021, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) said in its Economic Outlook 2021 report.

Malaysian economy's supply side seen rebounding in 2021 after 2020 contraction

The federal government is raising more debt to finance a wider fiscal deficit as it is in the driver seat to steer the economy out of recession. 

The national debt is expected to inch up further to hit 61% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021, up from 60.7% in 2020 and 52.5% in 2019.

Federal govt debt to increase to 61% of GDP in 2021

Malaysia’s current account surplus is expected to narrow to RM48.46 billion in 2020, from RM50.85 billion in 2019, due to a widening deficit in the services account despite a higher surplus in the goods account and as the nation registers a lower income account deficit, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) said in its Economic Outlook 2021 report.

Narrower current account surplus seen as Malaysia records first travel deficit since 1989

Total outstanding government guarantees (GGs) as at end-September 2020 climbed to RM289.8 billion or 20.1% of gross domestic product (GDP), from RM275.4 billion or 18.2% of GDP as at end-2019, according to the Ministry of Finance's (MoF) 2021 Fiscal Outlook released today.

Outstanding govt guarantees rise to RM289.8b or 20.1% of GDP

Malaysia's unemployment rate is projected to decrease to 3.5% in 2021, compared with an estimated 4.2% in 2020, as the country’s economy is expected to rebound firmly in 2021 after a dismal economic performance in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Ministry of Finance's (MoF) Economic Outlook 2021 report.

Malaysia's 2021 unemployment rate seen improving to 3.5%

Alice Huang, the alleged Chinese spy at the heart of the scandal that brought down Nvidia's CEO, left Singapore in February and was barred from re-entering after an investigation into possible offences, the country's home affairs ministry said on Thursday.

Singapore barred Alice Huang from re-entry following investigation

Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Thursday.

Pharmaniaga, Hartalega, Johor Plantations, Keyfield, PIE, Hektar REIT, Eco World & Rimbunan Sawit

1. Singapore takes seriously its reputation as a trusted international trading and business hub. We uphold the rule of law and expect all companies operating in Singapore to conduct their business honestly and in accordance with our laws. While Singapore does not enforce unilateral export controls imposed by other countries, we expect all companies operating here to take into account such regulations, including export controls, in their international business activities. Singapore does not condone companies using their association with Singapore to circumvent or violate other countries’ export controls through fraud or dishonest practices. Where there is evidence of breaches of Singapore law, we take firm action.

Singapore’s investigations into Alice Huang and Megaspeed International

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland president Beth Hammack reiterated her view that higher interest rates are needed to combat inflation amid demand pressures driven by investments into artificial intelligence (AI).

Fed’s Hammack says more restrictive rates are needed

Wall Street's main indices opened lower on Thursday after Nvidia said CEO Jensen Huang was stepping down, leaving the artificial intelligence industry without its biggest champion.

Wall St opens lower after Nvidia CEO steps down

All parties in the unity government must work together to support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership and ensure the administration's efforts are not undermined, Pakatan Harapan (PH) communications director Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said.

Unity govt parties must close ranks behind Anwar — Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 12): Master Tec Group Bhd (KL:MTEC) saw its third-quarter net profit rise 16.6% on higher sales of its cable products.

Net profit for the three months ended Sept 30, 2026 (3QFY2026) rose to RM10 million from RM8.59 million a year earlier, according to the industrial wi...

Master Tec posts 16.6% rise in 3Q net profit on higher cable sales

Global AI-linked stocks fell on Thursday after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigned following a deepening scandal around his affairs, upending the chipmaker's leadership and posing fresh risks to a sector already reeling with funding and regulatory concerns.

Global AI stocks sink as Nvidia CEO's exit deepens sector sell-off

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has described Anthony Loke Siew Fook's resignation as Transport Minister as a difficult decision, but one that reflects the latter’s stance of not putting self-interest first.

Loke's resignation a painful but principled decision, says Chow

The Malaysian Bar has the right to challenge the Federal Territories Pardons Board's decision allowing former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.

Azalina says Malaysian Bar entitled to challenge Pardons Board decision if it has grounds

The conditional pardon order placing former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak under house arrest contains four conditions imposed by the Pardons Board, alongside additional supervision and control requirements set by the Prisons Department, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Najib's house arrest order has four conditions, including movement and communication limits — minister

The government has turned down former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s request to include an additional residence in his house arrest conditions.

Home minister: Najib's request for second house arrest residence rejected

Malaysia Airlines Bhd said delayed aircraft deliveries plaguing the industry are threatening the carrier’s expansion plans.&nbsp; 
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Malaysia Airlines CEO warns new planes being delivered months late

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 12): The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) will be objecting to the Bar's legal bid against Datuk Seri Najib Razak's house arrest.

AGC to object Bar's suit against Najib's house arrest, says Pardons Board decision not justiciable

Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s pension payments have been suspended, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said on Thursday.

Najib’s pension payments suspended — home minister

Shares related to data centre investments in Malaysia fell on Thursday, led by YTL Power International Bhd (KL:YTLPOWR), amid reports of renewed turmoil at Nvidia.

YTL Power resumes decline amid renewed Nvidia turmoil as data centre pick-and-shovel trade falls

Thailand’s tourism recovery is losing momentum, with foreign arrivals headed for their first back-to-back annual decline outside the pandemic since at least 1995.

Thailand’s tourism comeback slips further out of reach

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Summary

<ul>
	<li>The federal government’s non-tax revenue includes ‘net premium from issuance of government financial instruments’ of RM2 billion under Budget 2027</li>
	<li>‘Net premium from issuan...

The State of the Nation: When cash basis accounting allows net bond premiums to lift investment revenue

Genting Singapore has reported earnings of S$54.7 million (RM173.7 million) for its 3QFY2026, down 42% year-on-year. Revenue in the same three months ended Sept was down 13% to S$566.1 million, with its key gaming revenue portion down by more than a fifth to S$315 million.

Genting Singapore's 3Q earnings down 42% on weaker gaming revenue

Malaysia should consider establishing a dedicated Ministry of Senior Citizens to ensure the needs and welfare of its ageing population receive focused attention in policymaking, budget allocation and national development. 
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Hannah Yeoh calls for dedicated ministry to address needs of senior citizens

Malaysia will look into whether Speedmatrix Sdn Bhd, the firm allegedly linked to the Nvidia chip controversy, has breached the country’s export restrictions.

Malaysia to review possible re-export breaches in Nvidia spy scandal

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 12): Malaysia is drafting a law to strengthen oversight of data centres and prevent shipments of advanced chips from being diverted to other countries, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani on Thursday.&nbsp;

Johari: New law to tighten data centre oversight, prevent chip transshipment

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 12): Property developer IJM Land Bhd is set to officially launch Sovana, a new collection of double-storey linked homes at its Suria Hill township in Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor in November 2026.

IJM Land to launch RM70.9 mil Sovana homes at Suria Hill in November

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 12): Malaysia has requested that informal economic discussions with Taiwan resume as it seeks to maintain trade and investment ties with the island without compromising its longstanding One China policy.

Malaysia seeks to resume informal economic talks with Taiwan, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 12): New borrowings under the Madani government are used to finance national development, including schools, hospitals, roads, and water and electricity supply, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

PM: New government borrowing to fund development, repay RM13 bil 1MDB bonds

Intraday short-selling activities of Mega Fortris Bhd (KL:MEGAFB) have been suspended for the rest of Thursday, the fifth time for the security seals maker this month. 
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Mega Fortris intraday short selling suspended for the fifth time this month

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 12): Hartalega Holdings Bhd (KL:HARTA) saw higher earnings in its second quarterly financial review as better average selling prices (ASPs) more than offset pricier raw material costs.

Hartalega rides on higher ASPs as 2Q net profit surges 80%

THERE was a time when international espionage involved trench coats, microfilm, secret rendezvous and mysterious women who invariably disappeared before breakfast.

Opinion: Sex, spies and silicon: Why Penang may be outsmarting the superpowers

Türkiye has been selected as the preferred country to supply an alternative to Norway's Naval Strike Missile (NSM) for the Royal Malaysian Navy's (RMN) Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project.

Malaysia picks Turkish firm to supply missiles for LCS 

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 12): Malaysia needs more commercially viable green projects to attract investment and support its climate transition, as investor interest alone is not enough to get funding flowing into the sector.&nbsp;

Economic Report 2020/2021

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Economic Report 2020/2021

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