KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) has indicated that the business outlook for the fourth quarter of 2024 (4Q 2024) remains positive, with the Business Confidence Index (BCI) reaching nearly 105 points. It said key drivers include stable production and sales, improved employment levels, increased wage costs, rising investments, and enhanced efficiency in capacity utilisation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, most firms are optimistic about the business outlook for the next three months due to Malaysia’s favourable image. MIER’s Malaysian Business Condition Index for 4Q 2024 is expected to reflect growth in sales, production, employment, and wage costs as detailed in its 3Q 2024 Business Conditions Survey Report.

The BCI highlighted positive trends in employment and sales, signalling resilience and strong recovery potential. In the report, MIER stated that the overall sales performance in 3Q 2024 was positive. On a year-on-year basis, the index rose by 8.9 points to 52.8 in 3Q
2024 versus 43.9 points in 3Q 2023.

MIER also reported that the employment index showed a positive trend, increasing yearly by 14.3 points to 56.5 in 3Q 2024 compared to 42.2 in the previous corresponding quarter and improving quarter-on-quarter from 47.6 in 2Q 2024.

Additionally, overall investment experienced an increasing trend, with a year-on-year gain of 18 points to 68.0 points in 3Q 2024, up from 50.0 points in 3Q 2023. More than 70 per cent of firms operating in both domestic and export markets reported stable investment levels for their companies. Furthermore, 13 per cent of firms operating in domestic markets also reported stable investment levels for their companies.