PRIME Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob expressed hope that all the government’s efforts to ensure economic stability and the people’s well-being will be better in the Year of the Tiger and beyond.

He called on Malaysians to remain united in supporting efforts to revive and restructure the economy, so the country can become a fully developed nation.

The reopening of more than 90 economic sectors and most social activities, and the high vaccination rate in the country prove that the economy is on the right track for recovery, he added.

“With the momentum of recovery, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is on a strong track to continue growing between 5.5% and 6.5% this year,” he said in a statement today, in conjunction with Chinese New Year.

“It is in line with the International Monetary Fund’s projection of 6.0%, and the World Bank’s projection of 5.8%.

“The growth will be mainly driven by Budget 2022, which expands to RM332.1 billion, as well as the normalisation of economic and social activities.”

Ismail Sabri said the resumption of projects with high multiplier effects and strong external demands, especially from major trading partners, also boost economic growth.

“All these are in line with the government’s aspirations to achieve high-income nation status by 2025 in the 12th Malaysia Plan.”

The prime minister wished a Happy Chinese New Year to the Tionghua community, saying that after two years of celebrating from a distance, it is hoped that the celebration this year will enable all family members to bond and strengthen ties.

But he reminded all to remain vigilant and continue complying with standard operating procedures to curb the spread of Covid-19.

“Thank you to the entire Chinese community who have worked closely with other races like the Malays, Indians, Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, Iban, Bidayuh and Melanau as a Malaysian Family.

“Let us all pray for this year to bring prosperity, happiness and good health for the entire Malaysian Family. Gong xi fa chai, xin nian kuai le.” – Bernama, January 31, 2022.