A RECENT survey has revealed that while polled Malaysians continue to stay optimistic about the country’s direction following the last general election (GE15), this optimism has dwindled from a peak of 74% of respondents in January 2023 to 60% in July the same year.
According to global market research firm Ipsos in its “What Worries Malaysia” survey, Malaysians’ optimism has stabilised following GE15 and after the last stages of the COVID-19 lockdown in Aug 2021.
“We are in the new normal in the post-GE15 period, characterised by the post-pandemic economic recovery,” said Ipsos Public Affairs senior research manager Azamat Ababakirov in a statement today (Aug 24).
“The top three issues concerning Malaysians, namely political/financial corruption, inflation and unemployment, have stabilised at their constant levels since January 2023.”
The study indicated that as of July this year, just half of Malaysians polled recorded concern for political or financial corruption, down from 57% post-GE15.
Meanwhile, those worried about inflation have also fallen slightly to 40% of respondents in July 2023 compared to 43% in January the same year.
Concern about unemployment and jobs, however, saw a slight increase, with 34% of respondents worrying about this as compared to 32% in January.
“Despite government attempts to rein in inflation, it remains persistent as the second most worrying concern in Malaysia every month since June 2022,” Ababakirov noted.
“Consumer purchase intentions for household and big-ticket items have been on a downward trend since the beginning of 2023.”
The survey indicated that just 42% of respondents are comfortable with making major purchases compared to 49% in January.
Meanwhile, just 44% are comfortable with making household purchases as compared to 56% in the same time span.
“Nonetheless, Malaysians continue to stay optimistic about their country’s direction,” Ababakirov concluded.
The Ipsos survey is conducted monthly in 29 countries via an online portal system, with about 500 Malaysians aged 16 to 74 surveyed each time. – Aug 24, 2023
Main pic credit: Unsplash/Kah Hay Chee
