Malaysian household debt reached 69.5 percent of gross domestic product during the fourth quarter of 2024, according to BMI research from Fitch Solutions. This debt burden restricts consumer spending capacity and reduces disposable income levels across the nation. High servicing costs continue affecting purchasing power despite central bank monetary policy adjustments. Consumer confidence declined to 87.1 during the first quarter of 2024 from 89.4 in the previous quarter. The Malaysian Institute of Economic Research recorded these figures as among the lowest since 2022.
Retail sales growth measured 4.9 percent year-over-year in May 2025, showing modest improvement from April's 4.7 percent. Food price inflation moderated to 2.1 percent in June 2025 from earlier quarterly averages of 2.5 percent. Global economic uncertainties threaten Malaysian consumers through supply chain disruptions and trade tensions. Political risks associated with inflation and debt costs complicate policy decisions. BMI forecasts consumer spending growth of 3.8 percent for 2025 and 5.0 percent for 2026.
Retail sales growth measured 4.9 percent year-over-year in May 2025, showing modest improvement from April's 4.7 percent. Food price inflation moderated to 2.1 percent in June 2025 from earlier quarterly averages of 2.5 percent. Global economic uncertainties threaten Malaysian consumers through supply chain disruptions and trade tensions. Political risks associated with inflation and debt costs complicate policy decisions. BMI forecasts consumer spending growth of 3.8 percent for 2025 and 5.0 percent for 2026.
