KUALA LUMPUR: The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of Bank Negara Malaysia maintained the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 3% during its meeting on Tuesday.

“At the current level of the OPR, the stance of monetary policy remains accommodative and supportive of economic activity.

“The MPC will continue to assess the balance of risks to domestic growth and inflation, to ensure that the monetary policy stance remains conducive to sustainable growth amid price stability, ” it said.

The MPC pointed out the global economy was expanding at a more moderate pace, with the slowdown becoming more synchronised across both the advanced and emerging economies.

It also said there was also evidence of the weak global trade affecting domestic demand, particularly investment activity.

“Going forward, geopolitical tensions, policy uncertainty and the unresolved trade disputes could exacerbate financial market volatility and further weigh on the global growth outlook. Monetary easing and other policy measures are expected to provide some support to growth, ” it said.

The MPC said for the Malaysian economy, latest indicators are in line with expectations, suggesting moderate expansion of economic activity for the third quarter.

“Going forward, growth is expected to remain anchored by firm private sector expenditure. While private investment is projected to remain modest, household spending will be supported by continued employment and wage growth. The recent Government measures will provide additional impetus to economic activity.

“ On the external front, while exports will continue to be affected by slower global demand, this will be partly mitigated by its diversified structure.

“Overall, growth of the Malaysian economy is expected to be within projections in 2019 and the pace sustained going into 2020. This projection remains subject to downside risks, mainly stemming from uncertainties in global economic and financial conditions as well as weakness in commodity-related sectors, ” it said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2019/11/05/bank-negara039s-mpc-retains-opr-at-3