Kuala lumpur: The National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) expects Malaysian businesses to remain resilient despite mounting global economic uncertainties. It said 2026 is likely to be a year of consolidation amid geopolitical tensions, rising production costs, and global supply chain disruptions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, NCCIM's vice-president, Datuk Dr AT Kumararajah, noted that businesses are expected to adopt a more cautious outlook, supported by government policies and measures. These measures include a RM5 billion loan facility aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises and other sectors impacted by the global energy crisis. Dr Kumararajah shared these insights with reporters following a media briefing on the National Economic Forum (NEF) 2026.

The briefing was also attended by NCCIM president Datuk Seri N Gobalakrishnan, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing vice-president Michelle Hah Mei Kian, and NCCIM secretary-general Gnanasambanthan Supramanion. Themed 'A World In Transition: Securing Malaysia's Economic Future in an Era of Disruption', the NEF 2026 is organised by the NCCIM and will take place on July 2, 2026. The event is expected to attract 500 delegates, including policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and think tanks.

Meanwhile, Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) executive director, Lee Han Ling, highlighted that ongoing geopolitical tensions, such as the tariff war and conflicts in the Middle East, have opened opportunities for Malaysia to position itself as a gateway to ASEAN. He further mentioned that multinational companies are increasingly seeking to diversify and expand their supply chains beyond a single country, which is contributing to continued foreign direct investment inflows into Malaysia.