Credit To Private Non-Financial Sector Higher By 5.8 Pct In April 2026 - BNM

KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- Credit to the private non-financial sector grew by 5.8 per cent in April 2026 compared to 5.6 per cent in March 2026, driven by higher growth in outstanding business loans and outstanding corporate bonds, according to Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). 

The central bank said business loan growth accelerated to 6.3 per cent in April 2026 from 5.7 per cent previously, coupled with a pick-up in growth of outstanding corporate bonds of 6.1 per cent from 5.8 per cent. 

"Business loan growth increased following higher loan growth among non-small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly for working capital purposes. 

"Meanwhile, growth for investment-related loans remained forthcoming across both SMEs and non-SMEs," it said in its monthly highlights today.

In addition, household loan growth was sustained at 5.5 per cent in April 2026 (March 2026: 5.4 per cent) amid steady loan growth across most purposes. 

On asset quality, BNM said it remained intact with gross and net impaired loans ratios continuing to be stable at 1.4 per cent and 0.9 per cent respectively.

Loan loss coverage ratio including regulatory reserves remained prudent at 125.4 per cent of gross impaired loans. 

On ringgit, BNM said the local note appreciated by 1.7 per cent against the US dollar, supported by net foreign inflows into domestic bond and equity markets.

It said the 10-year Malaysian Government Securities (MGS) yield declined by six basis points while the FBM KLCI rose by 1.9 per cent in April 2026.

-- BERNAMA