Browse a full set of economic indicators

Malaysia

Includes historical data for Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product growth, debt-to-GDP ratio and more, as well as information on trade, banking and financial sector leadership.

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A Manufacturing And Service Hub

A British colony until 1957, Malaysia has since transformed its economy from one primarily reliant on agriculture and commodities to a dynamic, multi-sector one. Today, Malaysia is a thriving manufacturing and service hub, and an exporter of electronics, semiconductors, refined petroleum and natural gas. The Malaysian economy is also supported by a well-regulated banking system, a robust research and development (R&D) industry, and policies promoting open markets and private sector initiatives.

As both a result and a cause, foreign direct investment (FDI) has played a significant role in Malaysia’s economic development. Additionally, Malaysia benefits from bilateral investment treaties and membership in ASEAN and the World Trade Organization.

However, challenges remain. Malaysia’s budget relies heavily on the performance of the oil and gas sector, rising labor costs erode price competitiveness, while high dependency on food imports and ethnic and religious disputes pose additional concerns.

Malaysia GDP & Economic Overview

Macroeconomy & Sovereign Data

Type of Government Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Capital Kuala Lumpur
Sovereign Ratings S&P: A–
Moody’s: A3
Fitch: BBB+
Total Population 33.5 million
Median Age 30.8
Adult Per Capita Income (PPP) 41217.54
Total GDP (2023) USD 465.5 billion

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Banking & Finance

Trade & Investment

Total Exports USD 318.9 billion (2022)
Leading Exports Integrated Circuits
Refined Petroleum
Crude Petroleum
Coal
Gold
Semiconductors                                                                      
Total Imports USD 467.5 billion (2022)
Leading Imports Integrated Circuits
Refined Petroleum
Palm Oil
Rubber Apparel
Natural Gas
Semiconductors      

Source: World Integrated Trade Solution

Malaysia Leading Companies

CIMB Bank Financials
Public Bank Financials
Maybank Financials
Petronas (Petroliam Nasional) Energy, Exploration & Production
Tenaga Nasional (TNB) Utilities
Sime Darby Plantation Consumer Staples, Food Production
Axiata Group Telecommunication Services
Malaysia Airlines Transportation, Airlines

Major Trade Partners — Import

China 23.2%
Singapore 9.5%
Other Asia 7.6%
United States 7.6%
Japan 7.5%

Major Trade Partners — Export

China 15.5%
Singapore 14.0%
United States 11.5%
Hong Kong 6.2%
Japan 6.1%

In Partnership With


UOB is a leading bank in Asia. Operating through its head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, UOB has a global network of around 500 offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. Today, UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.

For nearly nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within, and connecting with, ASEAN.

The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to help businesses forge a sustainable future, by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders.


Data Sources:

IMF World Economic Outlook

UN World Population Prospects

World Inequality Report

S&P Global Ratings

Moody’s

Fitch Ratings

IMF Direction of Trade Statistics (DOTS)

UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

CIA The World Factbook

World Bank’s World Integrated Trade Solution

Forbes Global 2000

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