Malaysia's strong growth yet to reach households, small businesses

EconomyEconomists point to challenge of turning expansion into better wages, jobsShopkeeper Muhammad Khairul Alias sorts out frozen food items at his retail shop in Kuala Lumpur, which is going through a series of ups and downs. Sales are "good for a while," he says, "then weaken the following month before recovering again." (Photo by Ahmad Mustakim)NORMAN GOH and AHMAD MUSTAKIMAugust 24, 2026 13:30 JSTKUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia's economy is expanding faster than expected, but some workers say they have yet to feel the benefits, highlighting what economists see as the country's challenge of turning strong growth into better wages and greater financial security.