KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia is now just 7.1 percent below the World Bank's high-income threshold, while the economy expanded 5.8 percent in the second quarter of 2026, up from 5.4 percent in the previous quarter, Malaysian Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said on Monday.

Photo via CGTN

Speaking at the launch of the OECD Economic Surveys: Malaysia 2026, the minister said the government would ensure that this momentum translates into higher productivity, quality jobs and rising incomes for Malaysians.

"These are encouraging numbers, but crossing that threshold is not an end in itself. What matters is whether growth delivers better wages, more quality jobs and stronger purchasing power for Malaysians," Akmal said.

Malaysian government maintained its 2026 economic growth forecast of 4 percent to 5 percent, supported by domestic demand, private investment, exports and technology-driven industries such as semiconductors and data centers.