Malaysia

Fuelled by exports

BB2

MEDIUM RISK for entreprise

  • Economic risk

  • Business environment risk

  • Political risk

  • Commercial risk

  • Financing risk

The country risk assessments are your North Star metrics to make the right decision for your business and understand the risks in international trade. We have always the best solution for your needs

GDP USD314.5bn (World ranking 37, World Bank 2017)
Population 31.62mn (World ranking 45, World Bank 2017)
Form of state Constitutional Monarchy
Head of government Mahathir bin Mohamad (PM)
Next elections 2023, legislative
  • Member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
  • Low inflation
  • Large current account surpluses since 1998
  • Generally strong business environment
  • Resilient banking sector
  • Export dependency leads to cyclical risk
  • Slightly elevated fiscal deficits in recent years are currently not a problem but should be addressed in the medium term
  • High household debt and high external debt burden

Improving outlook

GDP growth is expected to grow by +5.5% in 2017. Exports growth is set to pick up speed in 2017 driven by higher demand for electronic products and commodities from major economies. Domestic demand growth will remain strong. Private consumption growth is set to be firm supported by higher wages and improved job creation. Private investment is projected to expand at a solid pace sustained by higher new orders and favorable credit conditions.  Yet public expenditures growth will be moderate as authorities continue fiscal consolidation.

In 2018, growth is set to continue at a solid but slower pace. Exports growth may moderate as tightening credit conditions in China lead to lower demand for Malaysian goods. Investment growth should slow due to lower growth in export opportunities and more conservative macro-policies.

Domestically, risks stem from a heavy public and households’ debt. Externally, difficulties could arise from lower demand growth from major economies, weak commodities prices and heightened global financial stress.

Macro-policies: a cautious stance

Policymakers are poised to maintain a cautious stance. The Central Bank has eased its monetary policy in 2016. The decision was based on below-target inflation, elevated global financial risks and modest growth in demand.

With both economic growth and inflation picking up in 2017, we expect a wait-and-see approach from the Central Bank. It may focus on addressing financial risks. First, the institution will maintain its efforts to reduce households’ debt (88% GDP) and contain financial vulnerabilities in sectors such as construction and oil and gaz. Second, avoiding currency volatility will be crucial in the wake of further tightening by the Fed, and elections in 2018. 

Public finances are vulnerable with a hefty public debt (52% GDP) compared to regional peers (below 50% for Indonesia and Thailand). We expect the government to maintain its gradual consolidation strategy. Considerable efforts have been made to improve fiscal sustainability. These include a reform of fuel subsidies, the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and measures to reduce risks related to contingent liabilities.   

External position has improved although there are pockets of vulnerability

The current account balance has improved on the back of higher exports growth. It should account for 3% GDP in 2017 (from 2.3% in 2016). Moreover, better economic outlook and adequate macro-policies help maintain solid FDI inflows. Downward pressures on the currency have reduced and the ringgit has appreciated by +5% from December 2016 to August 2017. Foreign exchange reserves are ample and cover more than 5 months of imports.  External debt is the main source of concern as it stands around 68% GDP.  

Trade structure by destination/origin

(% of total)

Exports Rank Imports
Singapore 15%
1
20% China
China 13%
2
10% China
United States 10%
3
8% Japan
Japan 8%
4
8% United States
Thailand 6%
5
6% Thailand

Trade structure by product

(% of total)

Exports Rank Imports
Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, n.e.s. 25%
1
23% Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, n.e.s.
Petroleum, petroleum products and related materials 10%
2
9% Petroleum, petroleum products and related materials
Office machines and automatic data processing machines 7%
3
4% Other industrial machinery and parts
Fixed vegetable oils and fats, crude, refined or fractionated 5%
4
3% Telecommunication and sound recording apparatus
Telecommunication and sound recording apparatus 5%
5
3% Office machines and automatic data processing machines

Even though the payment behaviour of domestic companies is good, the law provides no framework when it comes to late payment.  As a result, interest rates and collection costs should be considered as part of the contract but often have little impact.

  • Low

  • Medium

  • Sensitive

  • High

  • Payments

  • Court proceedings

  • Insolvency proceedings

Despite recent efforts, the courts' independence and transparency still have margin for improvement. While lawsuits can be slow and should be avoided whenever possible, recent reforms have seen lawsuits resolved more quicky.


In the absence of an efficient and functional debt restructuration scheme, debtor insolvency would only be dealt with through liquidation proceedings, which generally results in low recovery chances for unsecured creditors.

Download the entire collection complexity PDF:

Collection complexity Malaysia

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Contact

Contact Euler Hermes

Economic Research Team

research@eulerhermes.com

Contact Mahamoud Islam

Senior Economist for Asia

mahamoud.islam@eulerhermes.com 

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