Institutions Over Barrels: Why Petronas Matters to Malaysia’s Energy Security

By Samirul Ariff

Public discussion about energy often begins with a simple question: how much oil does a country possess? Yet this question, while intuitive, can be misleading. The real determinant of energy security is not merely the quantity of hydrocarbons beneath the ground, but the institutions and systems that govern their extraction, transport and distribution. Malaysia’s experience illustrates this principle clearly.

Prolonged US-Iran Conflict May Trigger 70 Pct Drop In West Asia Oil Output -- Rystad Energy

KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 (Bernama) -- A prolonged conflict between the United States (US) and Iran could slash West Asia crude oil output by as much as 70 per cent in a worst-case scenario, energy research firm Rystad Energy said.

Malaysia's Retail Sales Growth To Remain Resilient At 6.0 Pct In 2026 -- MBSB IB

KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 (Bernama) -- MBSB Investment Bank Bhd (MBSB IB) anticipates that Malaysia’s retail sales expansion will remain resilient at 6.0 per cent for the year 2026 as compared to 6.1 per cent in 2025.

Strong 2025 Growth Provides Tailwind For Malaysia To Bolster 1Q 2026 Performance - Amir Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's economic performance last year, which recorded 5.2 per cent growth, is expected to cushion the country against global economic uncertainties and bolster its performance in the first quarter (1Q) of this year, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

Kenanga IB Sees BNM Maintaining OPR At 2.75 Pct Through 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is expected to maintain the overnight policy rate (OPR) at 2.75 per cent through 2026, supported by manageable inflation and resilient domestic economic conditions, according to Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga IB). 

RAM Ratings Projects Malaysian Loan Growth Of 4.0-5.0 Pct In 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- RAM Rating Services Bhd (RAM Ratings) projects Malaysia’s system loan growth to come in at 4.0 per cent to 5.0 per cent in 2026, broadly in line with its gross domestic product (GDP) growth projection of 4.0 per cent to 5.0 per cent. 

Economy Remains Resilient, BNM Assessing Potential Risk From Middle East War - Governor

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s economy remains resilient despite rising global uncertainty arising from the escalating conflict in the Middle East, and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is closely monitoring developments as the situation continues to evolve.

BNM Keeps OPR Steady At 2.75 Pct As Supportive Policy Stance Continues -- Economists

By Zufazlin Baharuddin

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- Bank Negara Malaysia’s decision to keep the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) steady at 2.75 per cent reflects a policy stance that remains supportive in the face of an increasingly uncertain external environment.

Bank Negara Malaysia Maintains OPR At 2.75 Pct

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75 per cent during its meeting today.

Ringgit Gained 4.31 Pct To RM3.89 As Of March 1, 2026 -- Amir Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 (Bernama) -- The value of the ringgit had increased by 4.31 per cent to RM3.89 against the US dollar as of March 1, 2026, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

Malaysia’s Loan Growth To Expand Within 5-5.5 Pct This Year -- Kenanga IB

KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s loan growth is expected to expand within 5.0 per cent to 5.5 per cent this year, up from 4.8 per cent in 2025, supported by a favourable base effect at end-2025 and steady domestic demand, said Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga IB).

Economic Achievements Due To Strong Governance, Ongoing Efforts To Fight Corruption - PM

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s recent economic achievements, including the ringgit’s performance as one of the strongest currencies in Asia, are the result of governance reforms and continuous efforts to combat corruption and misappropriation of public funds.