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BURSA Malaysia has launched the National Investment Programme (NIP) as part of its broader MADANI economic framework, with the aim of strengthening financial literacy, encouraging responsible investing and reinforcing resilience in the country’s capital markets amid heightened global economic uncertainty.
Speaking at the National Investment Programme launch ceremony at Bursa Malaysia on Saturday, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the initiative is intended to cultivate a more informed investor community while supporting long-term economic sustainability.
“The meaningful event marks a milestone; not only for Bursa Malaysia, but also for the country’s ongoing efforts to cultivate responsible investing, strengthen financial literacy among the people, and build a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient Malaysian economy,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to Bursa Malaysia for the invitation and congratulated the exchange on its 50th anniversary, describing it as a foundational institution in Malaysia’s economic development over the past five decades.
“For half a century, Bursa has played an important role in Malaysia’s growth story… Today, we need such resilience more than ever,” he said.
The minister warned that global economic conditions remain fragile, citing disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions in West Asia that have affected commodity flows, energy supply chains and agricultural inputs.
He noted that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected slower global growth in its April 2026 outlook, warning that prolonged geopolitical instability could further weigh on the global economy.
Despite external challenges, Malaysia recorded strong early-year performance, with advance estimates from the Department of Statistics indicating 5.3 per cent GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026, driven by expansion in services, manufacturing, construction and agriculture.
However, he stressed that Malaysia cannot afford complacency due to its status as a small and open economy.
“The government recognises that we must take decisive action to cushion our economy from the impact of the West Asia conflict. Our priorities are focused on efforts to guarantee the supply of energy and basic goods, while buffering the impact of cost increases on key segments, subject to fiscal constraints,” he said.
He highlighted the government’s continued push towards renewable energy, including a planned increase in biodiesel blending from B10 to B15, beginning with B12, as part of broader energy transition efforts.
Malaysia has also engaged international partners, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, to maintain open communication channels amid ongoing global uncertainty.
“The future that we have in mind is one which favours sustainability over short-termism, and one which delivers genuine prosperity to all Malaysians,” he said, adding that national policy frameworks such as the New Industrial Masterplan 2030, the National Energy Transition Roadmap and the National Semiconductor Strategy are central to long-term growth.
He also underscored the importance of micro, small and medium enterprises, which account for nearly half of Malaysia’s workforce, and highlighted the critical role of financing in sustaining economic activity.
“The lifeblood of these businesses… is financing,” he said, noting that capital markets remain essential in supporting business expansion and economic development.
Malaysia’s capital market, valued at around RM4.3 trillion in 2025, continues to rank among the most developed in the region, encompassing equities, bonds, Islamic finance and sustainable investment instruments.
However, Akmal warned that investing must be approached with discipline, caution and long-term perspective, emphasising that responsible investing requires financial literacy and risk awareness.
He also raised concern over rising financial fraud, citing Bank Negara Malaysia’s Annual Report 2025, which estimated global scam losses at approximately USD442 billion in 2024, while Malaysia recorded RM2.8 billion in losses in 2025.
“These figures are not merely statistics. They represent real hardship,” he said.
He commended the National Investment Programme, stating that it will equip participants with skills to identify investment opportunities and detect fraudulent schemes, including common scam tactics and warning signs.
The initiative aligns with the 13th Malaysia Plan’s objective of developing financially capable and competitive youth, while complementing broader regulatory efforts to strengthen capital market safeguards.
Interest in Malaysia’s capital markets continues to grow, with 1.37 million active CDS accounts recorded as of December 2025 and more than 170,000 new accounts opened in early 2026. The NIP itself received over 5,000 applications.
“To the 550 successful applicants, congratulations. I am confident that you will make the most of this opportunity; to learn, to grow, and to become more informed and responsible participants in Malaysia’s financial future,” he said.
He added that financial literacy is central to national resilience, arguing that informed investing strengthens both the economy and society.
“Because when Malaysians invest wisely, our economy becomes stronger. When Malaysians are financially literate, our society becomes more resilient. And when opportunity is guided by knowledge, prosperity becomes more inclusive,” he said, before officially launching the National Investment Programme. - April 18, 2026
