A RM1.5 trillion debt hangover

A little over a week ago, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim commented that Malaysia’s national debt has now reached RM1.5 trillion and needs to be addressed urgently, as it translates to more than 80% of the nation’s annual economic output or gross domestic product (GDP).

Breaking down the numbers, the PM alluded that Malaysia’s RM1.5 trillion debt comprises two parts, with RM1.2 trillion comprising the country’s total debts itself while the balance is related to off-balance sheet liabilities.