Managing the downside risk of low oil prices is crucial for Malaysia, says World Bank

Ulrich Zachau, World Bank Country director for Malaysia. World Bank Malaysia Economic Monitor media briefing - macro outlook and update together with a thematic report on how Msia can move from a middle income country to a middle income society. MOHD SAHAR MISNI/The Star

FALLING crude oil prices have roiled markets worldwide, stirring a lot of noise about the outlook for the future, in particular, of oil-producing countries like Russia and Venezuela, and even, Malaysia.

While the debate continues to rage about the direction of crude oil prices and whether the rout is going to end anytime soon, experts will tell you that predicting oil prices is a notoriously difficult challenge.