KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) does not discount the possibility of another overnight policy rate (OPR) cut being introduced later this year due to the impact from the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in Malaysia.
Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Dr Kamal Salih said the move would promote economic growth and provide sufficient liquidity in the market.
He told reporters this during apress conference on the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the Malaysian economy here, today.
On Jan 22, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) reduced the OPR by 25 basis points to 2.75 per cent -- the lowest since 2011.
Meanwhile, MIER deputy director Prof Dr Jamal Othman said the COVID-19 outbreak is under control in Malaysia as the government has done a good job in containing the outbreak.
"However, the institute expects the country’s gross domestic product to be lower by about 0.15 per cent or by as much as 0.77 per cent in the first quarter of 2020.
“Chinese tourist expenditure in Malaysia is expected to decrease by 25 per cent, while wholesale and retail sales are expected to decline by one totwo per cent,” he said.
Kamal said unemployment in tourism-related sectors, especially in air travel and recreational services, might range from as low as 0.5 per cent or as high as 3.5 per cent.
He said tourism and manufacturing industries are the most affected by the COVID-19 and urged Malaysians to help spur the economy and play their role to ensure the success of Visit Malaysia 2020.
“It it pretty safe to move around here in Malaysia and domestic tourism would certainly cushion the outbreak’s impact to our economy,” he said. - BERNAMA
source https://www.thesundaily.my/business/covid-19-another-opr-cut-may-be-possible-mier-CB2030576
No comments:
Post a Comment