Weak ringgit and subsidy implementation blamed for decline in world competitiveness ranking


Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivering his opening remarks during the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium launch in Kuala Lumpur, June 20, 2024. — GLENN GUAN/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Among the reasons that caused Malaysia’s decline in the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Ranking 2024 was the weak ringgit and the failure to implement targeted subsidies, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the IMD’s World Competitiveness Ranking 2024 had considered Malaysia’s performance last year.

“In 2023, our failure to implement targeted subsidies was among the most prominent criticisms.

“Second, it is the weak ringgit. We admit that the ringgit issue is challenging. But this year, there was an improvement,” said Anwar after delivering his keynote speech at the launch of the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium (A-EPIC) on Friday (June 21).

Anwar said the Cabinet has heeded the report and is currently addressing the issues raised.

ALSO READ : Asia's media powerhouses form consortium to drive environmental and social change

“Most importantly, we note their concerns, and it cannot be denied that there are still improvements to be done this year,” Anwar added.

On Tuesday, Malaysia’s ranking in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking dropped seven places to 34th out of 67 countries.

Malaysia also fell four places to 10th out of 14 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, ranking below Indonesia and Thailand.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz had said he would explain Malaysia’s decline in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2024 report.

Sime Darby Property Berhad is the Urban Biodiversity Partner for the consortium's initiatives.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

‘Fuel supply relatively secure’
UM, UCSI JOIN FORCES IN RESEARCH
Gombak siblings are in a league of their own
Education Ministry to strengthen safety rules for outdoor activities
Single mums charged over CBT, offensive posts
Grandpa’s exam effort adds up
Anwar says M’sia must move to diversified energy future
Murder charges over crash
‘Private ownership fuels Madani Mart growth’
Cloud seeding helps fill dams

Others Also Read