The National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) expects Malaysian businesses to remain resilient despite growing global economic uncertainties.
The chamber said 2026 is expected to be a year of consolidation, driven by challenges such as geopolitical tensions, rising production costs, and disruptions to global supply chains.
NCCIM vice-president Datuk Dr AT Kumararajah said businesses are likely to adopt a more cautious approach, although government support measures are expected to help cushion the impact.
He highlighted initiatives including a RM5 billion loan facility aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and other sectors affected by the global energy crisis.
Kumararajah said this during a media briefing on the National Economic Forum (NEF) 2026 held in Kuala Lumpur today.
Also present at the briefing were NCCIM president Datuk Seri N Gobalakrishnan, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing vice-president Michelle Hah Mei Kian, and NCCIM secretary-general Gnanasambanthan Supramanion.
Carrying the theme, “A World in Transition: Securing Malaysia’s Economic Future in an Era of Disruption,” the NEF 2026 will be organised by NCCIM on July 2, 2026, and 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 said ongoing geopolitical developments, including the tariff war and conflicts in the Middle East, have created opportunities for Malaysia to position itself as a gateway to the ASEAN region.
She said multinational companies are increasingly seeking to diversify and expand supply chains beyond a single country, contributing to continued foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into Malaysia.
