Finance Ministry: Govt to Raise Gross Borrowings of RM135.2 Billion in 2019

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is expected to raise gross borrowings of RM135.2 billion or 8.9 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2019, the Finance Ministry said today.

Out of the RM132.5 billion, 94.5 percent or RM127.7 billion comprises domestic borrowings, while the remaining RM7.5 billion is offshore issuance.

The gross proceeds will be utilized mainly for principal refinancing amounting to RM83.3 billion and deficit financing of RM51.8 billion, the ministry said in the Fiscal Outlook and Federal Government Revenue Estimates 2020 report, released here today.

The principal repayment consists of maturing Malaysian Government Securities (MGS) of RM43.4 billion, Malaysian Government Investment Issues (MGII) amounting to RM24 billion, Treasury Bills totaling RM14 billion, Government Housing Sukuk of RM1.6 billion and offshore loans amounting to RM0.3 billion.

The ministry said the government will continue to finance its debt domestically to strengthen the capital market, especially through higher issuance of shariah-compliant instruments to further promote Malaysia as the leading hub for Islamic finance.

The need for offshore borrowings will be based on favorable cost at acceptable risks and global financial market conditions.

Concurrently, the government will also continue to reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio through the implementation of gradual fiscal consolidation efforts, it said.

In 2020, the fiscal deficit is anticipated to decline to 3.2 percent of GDP from 3.4 percent in 2019 and decline further to an average of 2.8 percent in the medium term.

As at end-June 2019, the federal government debt stood at RM799.1 billion or 52.7 percent of GDP, below the self-imposed limit of 55 percent.

“As an emerging economy, Malaysia has a relatively manageable level of debt and financing needs, below its stipulated limits,” said the Finance Ministry.

Going forward, the government will improve its processes and tighten procedures for a more coherent execution of effective debt management.

“These efforts will augur well to anchor positive market expectations and ensure Malaysia’s long-term debt sustainability,” it added. – Bernama

Originally published on https://www.nst.com.my