Malaysia Interest Payments to Revenue
Interest payments as % of revenue GC.XPN.INTP.RV.ZS
Malaysia's interest payments to revenue was 15.84% in 2025, ranked 22nd globally. This represents a 7.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Malaysia's interest payments to revenue stood at 15.84% in 2025, a rise of +1.13pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 15.84% by 2025. Malaysia ranked 22nd globally.
Malaysia's interest payments to revenue ratio has fluctuated significantly over the past 29 years, with the latest figure standing at 15.84% in 2025, placing the country at 22nd globally. This ratio peaked at 16.29% in 2021, while it troughed at 8.01% in 2008, marking a considerable decline during the global financial crisis. In comparison, Costa Rica, a peer country, has maintained a higher ratio, reaching 16.50% in recent years. Malaysia's interest payments to revenue ratio has generally trended upwards since the 2008 trough, indicating a growing burden on the country's fiscal resources. The steady increase in this ratio suggests that Malaysia's government may be facing challenges in managing its debt obligations, which could be exacerbated by future interest rate hikes or economic downturns. A sustained economic growth or a significant reduction in interest rates could potentially alter the trajectory of this trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Interest Payments to Revenue | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 16.16% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 15.84% | - | - |
| 2025 | 15.84% | +1.13pp | #22 |
| 2023 | 14.71% | +0.69pp | #80 |
| 2022 | 14.02% | −2.27pp | #92 |
| 2021 | 16.29% | +0.96pp | #110 |
| 2020 | 15.33% | +2.87pp | #112 |
| 2019 | 12.45% | −0.66pp | #109 |
| 2018 | 13.12% | +0.48pp | #112 |
| 2017 | 12.64% | +0.18pp | #119 |
| 2016 | 12.47% | +1.38pp | #115 |
| 2015 | 11.08% | +0.85pp | #117 |
| 2014 | 10.24% | +0.50pp | #107 |
| 2013 | 9.74% | +0.34pp | #99 |
| 2012 | 9.40% | −0.16pp | #100 |
| 2011 | 9.55% | −0.23pp | #95 |
| 2010 | 9.78% | +0.82pp | #93 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malaysia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw interest payments to revenue improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malaysia's interest payments to revenue was 15.84% in 2025. Ranked 22nd globally. This represents a 7.7% increase from the previous year.
Malaysia's interest payments to revenue peaked at 16.29% in 2021.
The lowest interest payments to revenue in Malaysia was 8.01% in 2008.
Malaysia ranks 22nd globally in interest payments to revenue as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.INTP.RV.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Malaysia's interest payments to revenue is projected to reach 15.84% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The interest payments to revenue of Malaysia in 2025 was 15.84%. This ranks 22nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malaysia_interest-to-revenue,
title = {Malaysia Interest Payments to Revenue},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malaysia/interest-to-revenue/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}