tags - Sinar Daily

The banking sector is expected to deliver a solid first-quarter calendar year 2026 (1Q CY2026) performance despite the ongoing West Asia conflict, although worsening cost pressures could prompt economic aid measures and possible Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) cuts.

Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) decision to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75 per cent on Thursday reinforced expectations that the central bank will likely hold the rate throughout 2026, although investment banks and research houses caution that prolonged geopolitical tensions and higher oil prices could still alter the inflation outlook.

Andalusia Travel & Tours Sdn Berhad director and legal adviser Ida Riswana Idris

US President Donald Trump delivers remarks during an event at Mount Airy Casino Resort on Dec 9, 2025 in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. - (Photo by ALEX WONG / Getty Images via AFP)

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today stressed that adjustments to operating expenditure will not affect critical sectors such as healthcare and education. Photo by Bernama

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the country’s oil and gas supply remains secure, but rising global fuel prices continue to strain government finances as it maintains the RON95 price at RM1.99 to protect the majority. Photo by Bernama

Jag Vasant, an Indian-flagged tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) that transited through the Strait of Hormuz amid the Middle East war, remains docked at an offloading terminal along the coast in Mumbai on April 1. - (Photo by Punit Paranjpe / AFP)

This aerial file photo taken on March 23, 2008 shows a vessel (bottom) sailing past ships anchored along the coast of Singapore at the mouth of the Strait of Malacca. AFP FILE PIX