KUALA LUMPUR – The strategies laid out in the Financial Sector Blueprint 2022-2026 will be critical for the sector to navigate the oncoming challenges and opportunities, and in turn, complement the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said.
He noted that key expected outcomes include advancing digitalisation in the financial sector, providing meaningful choice and access for consumers, increasing the vibrancy of the funding ecosystem to meet Malaysia’s economic needs, and wider adoption of green finance and sustainability practices.
“I also look forward to the upcoming entry of digital banks, digital insurers, and takaful operators.
“Their impact on the nation’s development through the use of technology and introduction of innovative financial solutions will improve the well-being of Malaysians, foster greater efficiency, and contribute towards a more competitive financial landscape,” he said.
Tengku Zafrul was speaking at the opening of MyFintech Week 2022 and the launch of the Financial Sector Blueprint 2022-2026 held virtually today.
He said the financial sector needs to collaborate with the government in putting the economy on a better footing.
“Now that our national goals are set and the blueprint is drawn, it is time to act. 2022 will not only be a pivotal recovery year for Malaysia but also a rare opportunity to reform and future-proof ourselves.
“The road ahead will require nothing less than a whole-of-nation approach involving the government, regulators, the private sector, civil society organisations, and yes, the financial community,” he added.
Tengku Zafrul said since independence, the financial sector has been critical in developing the economy and realising the nation’s aspirations.
Between 2011 and 2020 alone, the adult population with deposit accounts increased to nearly 96% from 82%.
Domestic credit to the private sector as a percentage of gross domestic product increased to 134% from 108%, and e-payment transactions per capita increased to 170 from 49.
Throughout the pandemic, Tengku Zafrul said the financial sector has been instrumental in supporting the people and businesses by extending loan repayment assistance and facilitating the restructuring of borrowing facilities.
Between June 1 and December 24, 2021, more than 2.7 million individual borrowers and over 95,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) had obtained repayment assistance.
Together with efforts by the government to reinvigorate the economy, financing to SMEs remained steadfast, increasing 4.6% as of November 2021. The cumulative disbursements of loans during the first 11 months of 2021 was RM281 billion. – Bernama, January 24, 2022
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