KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian business community remains optimistic on the country’s business prospects for next year despite a subdued business environment, according to the Malaysian Business Sentiment Survey 2014/2015.
The survey by Monash University Malaysia found that 74 per cent of businessmen said they are confident about business prospects, representing a good sign for capital investment and the labour market.
“Malaysian chief executive officers (CEOs) and senior managers seem to be anticipating better than average business prospects,” lead researcher and Monash University Malaysia’s Head of Discipline (Marketing) Associate Professor Brian Low Koon Huat said.
He said in preparation for the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax next year, Malaysian businesses have put effective cost management initiatives and the pursuit of growth in new markets with existing products and services as their immediate strategic and sales priorities.
However, he said, the generally upbeat business confidence would be dampened if cost pressures mount and margins decline in the face of increasing competition and global economic uncertainty. — Bernama