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BANK Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Ministry of Finance will reassess the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) latest revision to Malaysia’s real gross domestic product (GDP) forecast, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced on Thursday.
Speaking after attending a Hari Raya celebration hosted by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, said a full statement would be made during a Special Parliamentary Session on May 5.
"The revision isn't exclusive to Malaysia. It is a global reassessment that includes the United States, China and most other countries, with a slight downward adjustment," he told reporters. "We – the government, BNM and the Treasury – will examine and review the figures and issue our response."
Also present at the event were Customs Director-General Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, and Treasury Secretary-General Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican.
In its April 2025 World Economic Outlook entitled ‘A Critical Juncture amid Policy Shifts’, the IMF downgraded Malaysia’s GDP growth forecast for this year to 4.1 per cent, down from the 4.7 per cent projected in January. The forecast for 2026 was also adjusted, with growth expected at 3.8 per cent.
The IMF also reduced its global growth forecast for 2025 to 2.8 per cent, a 0.5 percentage point decrease from its January estimate.
Among Malaysia’s regional peers, Indonesia's 2025 growth outlook was lowered from 5.1 to 4.7 per cent, the Philippines from 6.1 to 5.5 per cent, and Thailand from 2.9 to 1.8 per cent.
Malaysia Reaffirms Climate Commitments Ahead of COP30
Separately, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s climate commitment to reducing carbon intensity by 45 per cent by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
He said this goal is backed by national frameworks such as the National Climate Change Policy (DPIN) 2.0, the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), and the implementation of a carbon tax beginning next year.
“Last night, I joined 16 other Heads of State and Government in a virtual dialogue chaired by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in preparation for COP30,” he shared via Facebook.
“We exchanged views and best practices in addressing climate change while discussing the upcoming Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target-setting process,” he said.
Anwar also stressed the importance of global cooperation and equitable climate financing, particularly for developing nations.
“As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia is committed to driving stronger regional climate action, advocating for a just and inclusive energy transition, and positioning ASEAN as a hub for green innovation and sustainable investment,” he added. - April 24, 2025