Malaysia's 2Q growth 'should be okay', says Amir Hamzah - The Star

Malaysia's 2Q growth 'should be okay', says Amir Hamzah The Star

Source: The Star · August 6, 2026 at 6:30 AM · AI-assisted report

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KUALA LUMPUR, 6 AUGUST 2026 —

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KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 - Malaysia's economic growth for the second quarter of 2026 is expected to be satisfactory, according to Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. Speaking ahead of the official 2Q gross domestic product (GDP) announcement on Aug 14, Amir Hamzah said the growth "should be okay", although he did not provide further details.

Market Impact

The upcoming GDP data release by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is anticipated to provide a clearer picture of the country's economic performance during the April-June period. The advance GDP estimates for 2Q 2026, released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) on July 17, indicated that Malaysia's economy expanded by 5.8 percent, driven by growth in almost all economic sectors except agriculture, which contracted.

This follows a 5.4 percent growth in the first quarter of 2026, which surpassed initial estimates.

The advance estimates suggest that domestic demand, investment activities, and exports continue to drive Malaysia's economic growth. The country's economy has been performing well, with the first quarter's growth exceeding expectations. Details on the specific sectors that contributed to the growth and the overall economic outlook will be available when BNM releases the official 2Q GDP data next week.

The official 2Q GDP announcement on Aug 14 will provide a more comprehensive understanding of Malaysia's economic performance and outlook. Until then, the advance estimates and statements from officials like Amir Hamzah offer insights into the country's economic trajectory. As the economy continues to grow, driven by domestic and external factors, investors and policymakers will be watching the official data release closely for signs of trends and potential areas for improvement.

Related: Bank Negara Malaysia · Amir Hamzah Azizan · Kuala Lumpur