Kuala lumpur: The Economy Ministry expects Malaysia's inflation rate to remain under control at between 1.5 and 2.5 per cent throughout this year despite pressure from the energy supply crisis and global geopolitical uncertainties. Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the government is committed to ensuring that inflation does not have a major shock effect on the economy and the people's cost of living even though price pressures are expected to continue.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Akmal Nasrullah stated that the country's latest inflation rate was recorded at 1.9 per cent, much lower than the global inflation forecast of around 4.3 per cent. He projected that for 2026, the inflation rate is expected to occur between 1.5 and 2.5 per cent, which is a target to ensure inflation remains manageable and does not significantly impact the population.

He made these remarks during a media briefing following the monthly gathering of the Economy Ministry. Akmal Nasrullah was responding to questions regarding anticipated inflationary pressures in the year's second quarter due to disrupted global energy supplies affecting the transportation and food sectors.

Akmal Nasrullah noted that current inflationary pressures are a result of increased costs related to oil supplies and necessary input goods for sustaining economic activities. To counter these pressures, the government is implementing mitigation measures such as targeted fuel subsidies, controlling logistics costs through the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS), and offering additional RM5 billion financing via the Business Financing Guarantee Scheme (SJPP) and Bank Negara Malaysia facilities to assist small businesses.

He cautioned that inflationary pressures could escalate if the global crisis persists. Despite maintaining inflation at approximately 1.9 per cent, Akmal Nasrullah emphasized the importance of monitoring official data and industry-level situations to facilitate timely intervention measures.