Malaysia Government Debt to GDP
General government gross debt as % of GDP GGXWDG_NGDP
Malaysia's government debt to gdp was 70.44% in 2025, ranked 51st globally. This represents a 0.5% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Malaysia's government debt to gdp stood at 70.44% in 2025, a rise of +0.35% from 2024. The IMF projects 70.44% by 2025. Malaysia ranked 51st globally.
Malaysia’s government debt-to‑GDP ratio stands at 70.44 in 2025, placing the country 51st globally according to the IMF World Economic Outlook. The ratio has hovered near its early‑1990s peak of 74.13 recorded in 1990, after falling sharply to a historic low of 29.62 in 1997 during the Asian financial crisis, before gradually climbing again over the past three decades. Compared with peers of similar rank, Malaysia’s ratio is slightly lower than Pakistan’s 71.55 and higher than Israel’s 69.24, reflecting a moderate fiscal position within the group. The 36‑year coverage shows a long‑term upward trend from the 1990s trough, driven by expanding public spending and debt‑financed infrastructure projects. Continued fiscal consolidation or a slowdown in growth could temper the rise, while stronger revenue growth and prudent debt management would be needed to reverse the upward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Debt to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 70.72% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 70.63% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 70.68% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 70.65% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 70.52% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 70.44% | - | - |
| 2025 | 70.44% | +0.35% | #51 |
| 2024 | 70.08% | +0.38% | #132 |
| 2023 | 69.71% | +4.24% | #127 |
| 2022 | 65.46% | −3.70% | #118 |
| 2021 | 69.16% | +1.47% | #121 |
| 2020 | 67.69% | +10.61% | #112 |
| 2019 | 57.08% | +1.44% | #115 |
| 2018 | 55.65% | +1.25% | #115 |
| 2017 | 54.40% | −1.39% | #111 |
| 2016 | 55.79% | −1.18% | #115 |
| 2015 | 56.97% | +1.60% | #126 |
| 2014 | 55.37% | −0.28% | #131 |
| 2013 | 55.66% | +1.87% | #134 |
| 2012 | 53.79% | +1.89% | #135 |
| 2011 | 51.90% | +0.69% | #135 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malaysia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government debt to gdp improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malaysia's government debt to gdp was 70.44% in 2025. Ranked 51st globally. This represents a 0.5% increase from the previous year.
Malaysia's government debt to gdp peaked at 74.13% in 1990.
The lowest government debt to gdp in Malaysia was 29.62% in 1997.
Malaysia ranks 51st globally in government debt to gdp as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXWDG_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Malaysia's government debt to gdp is projected to reach 70.44% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government debt to gdp of Malaysia in 2025 was 70.44%. This ranks 51st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malaysia_government-debt-to-gdp,
title = {Malaysia Government Debt to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malaysia/government-debt-to-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}