The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of Bank Negara Malaysia decided to increase the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 25 basis points to 2.00 percent.
In a statement, Bank Negara Malaysia said that the ceiling and floor rates of the corridor of the OPR are correspondingly increased to 2.25 percent and 1.75 percent, respectively.
It said that the sustained reopening of the global economy and the improvement in labour market conditions continue to support the recovery of economic activity.
BNM said that for the Malaysian economy, latest indicators show that growth is on a firmer footing, driven by strengthening domestic demand amid sustained export growth.
It said that the labour market is further lifted by a lower unemployment rate, higher labour participation and better income prospects. “The transition to endemicity on 1 April 2022 would strengthen economic activity, in line with further easing of restrictions and the reopening of international borders,” it said.
BNM said that the investment activity and prospects have also improved, underpinned by the realisation of multi-year projects and positive growth outlook.
On headline inflation, BNM said that it is projected to average between 2.2% – 3.2% in 2022.
It said that given the improvement in economic activity amid lingering cost pressures, underlying inflation, as measured by core inflation, is expected to trend higher to average between 2.0% – 3.0% in 2022.
Nevertheless, upward pressure on prices would be partly contained by existing price controls and the continued spare capacity in the economy. “The inflation outlook continues to be subject to global commodity price developments, arising mainly from the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine and prolonged supply-related disruptions, as well as domestic policy measures on administered prices,” BNM said
BNM said that over the course of the COVID-19 crisis, the OPR was reduced by a cumulative 125 basis points to a historic low of 1.75% to provide support to the economy.
It said that the unprecedented conditions that necessitated such actions have since abated. With the domestic growth on a firmer footing, the MPC decided to begin reducing the degree of monetary accommodation.
“This will be done in a measured and gradual manner, ensuring that monetary policy remains accommodative to support a sustainable economic growth in an environment of price stability,” it said
