PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s stronger-than-expected economic growth of 6% in the second quarter of 2026 is testament to the government’s relentless efforts to safeguard the people’s welfare amid global economic pressures, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the Madani government remained committed to making further improvements to ensure that the country’s progress translated into better incomes, quality jobs and greater support for vulnerable groups.
“Much has been done by the Madani government behind the scenes to control prices and ensure that supplies remain sufficient,” he said in a statement on Friday (Aug 14).
Anwar said the economy expanded by 6% in the second quarter, up from 5.4% in the first three months of the year, despite a slowing global economy, supply disruptions and turmoil in the Middle East.
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He said the latest figure exceeded market expectations and represented Malaysia’s strongest second-quarter growth outside the pandemic period since 2014.
Growth in the first half of 2026 stood at 5.7%, with the economy outperforming expectations for three consecutive quarters.
Anwar said the performance was underpinned by measures aimed at shielding Malaysians from the effects of global inflation arising from the Middle East crisis.
These included Budi Madani, Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara), targeted fuel subsidies and continued financing for small and medium enterprises.
The measures helped cushion the impact of global economic uncertainty, sustain household consumption and preserve business momentum, he added.
However, Anwar acknowledged that more needed to be done to sustain the country’s growth momentum and ensure that its wealth and progress were shared by all Malaysians.
“I am mindful that the Madani government still has much to do to ensure not only that this growth momentum remains sustainable, but also that the country’s wealth and progress are enjoyed by all through more meaningful incomes, quality employment opportunities and assistance for vulnerable groups.
“God willing, the Madani government will remain on the path of reform to uplift the people’s dignity and strengthen the foundations of our beloved country’s economy,” he said.
