Government gross debt in Malaysia

International Monetary Fund · Annual · Importance

IMF forecast (WEO): 2026: 69.5% 2027: 68.7% 2028: 67.8% 2029: 66.9% 2030: 66.1% 2031: 65.4%

34.4 (1999) ANUAL · % of GDP · Annual · CSV

Period	% of GDP
Jan 1999	34.4
Jan 1998	33.6
Jan 1997	29.6
Jan 1996	32.8
Jan 1995	38.2
Jan 1994	43.7
Jan 1993	51.1
Jan 1992	59.1
Jan 1991	67.3
Jan 1990	74.1

About this indicator

Source

International Monetary Fund

Frequency

Annual

Release

Published annually (with quarterly advance estimates in some economies), subject to revision with the national accounts.

What it is

Measures the total gross debt owed by Malaysia's federal government to its creditors. Published by the Ministry of Finance and the national statistical authorities, it is reported in absolute terms and as a share of GDP to gauge sustainability.

How it's calculated

Calculated by summing government securities and loans, mostly ringgit-denominated and placed in the domestic market. Outside the EU's EDP framework, it follows national and IMF standards; the debt-to-GDP ratio relates the stock to the size of the economy.

Market implications

The level of debt shapes fiscal room, the sovereign rating and confidence in Malaysian debt. Being largely local-currency denominated, it is less vulnerable to the currency, but a high ratio limits fiscal response and is watched by markets.

Limitations

It is a low-frequency, revisable series, and the definition can vary depending on whether guarantees and contingent liabilities are included. The ratio depends on nominal GDP, so it can move with growth without a change in actual debt.