Kuala Lumpur: Bank Negara Malaysia is anticipated to hold the overnight policy rate (OPR) at 3.00 percent during its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting today, amid a stable interest rate environment, economists indicated.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors Sdn Bhd’s head of investment research, Mohd Sedek Jantan, emphasized that a steady rate environment aids economic expansion by offering businesses and consumers enhanced certainty in financial planning and credit access. Mohd Sedek Jantan stated, “Stability in borrowing costs sustains capital investment, mitigates excessive volatility in household debt servicing, and ensures an optimal balance between growth and inflation control.”

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd’s chief economist, Dr. Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, also expects the MPC to keep the OPR unchanged. He mentioned that the decision would likely consider the anticipated policy adjustment to fuel subsidies, particularly the RON95 petrol price, which is projected around mid-year. Dr. Mohd Afzanizam added, “We believe BNM may want to assess inflation dynamics to determine whether the prevailing monetary stance can effectively anchor inflation expectations. At the same time, downside risks to growth remain visible, particularly given the disruptive nature of the Donald Trump administration, which could potentially weaken global growth.”

Dr. Mohd Afzanizam concluded that maintaining the OPR would support economic growth while managing inflation risks effectively.