Malaysians’ Confidence In Country’s Direction Improves In 2025 – Ipsos

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysians’ confidence that the country is heading in the right direction has improved in 2025, according to Ipsos’ latest Consumer Confidence and Cost of Living Monitor.

The survey showed that 69 per cent of Malaysians believe the country is moving in the right direction this year, up from 66 per cent in 2024.

Malaysians were also increasingly optimistic about the country’s economic future, with 73 per cent expressing positive views, up from 65 per cent previously.

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Ipsos said that while global economic sentiment and optimism in other Southeast Asian countries have declined, Malaysia has recorded a notable improvement.

“Such optimism reflects Malaysia’s recent economic growth and the appreciation of the ringgit against major currencies,” it said. 

The survey also showed that Malaysians’ concerns about corruption, unemployment and inequality have eased.

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“Malaysians’ worries about poverty and unemployment have fallen, reflecting some improvement in these areas and greater public confidence in social and economic conditions,” Ipsos said. 

Ipsos also noted that fewer Malaysians anticipate sharp rises in essential expenses over the next six months, partly due to targeted government support easing daily financial pressures.

“Targeted assistance such as Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) and adjustments in electricity tariffs could have been instrumental in this trend,” it said. 

The survey also highlighted expectations of higher disposable incomes and improved living standards among Malaysians in 2026.

Looking ahead, Ipsos said the 13th Malaysia Plan’s emphasis on income growth, social protection and cost-of-living management is expected to consolidate these gains and strengthen their longer-term impact.

-- BERNAMA