KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are worried about the country's sluggish economic growth, societal divisions, and the spread of misinformation, according to a survey by Edelman Malaysia.
Additionally, 97 per cent of employed Malaysians are worried about job loss, climate change (85 per cent of the general population), and the increase in information warfare (73 per cent).
These economic worries arise despite the fact that Malaysian gross domestic product (GDP) has shown quarter-on-quarter improvement since last year.
The country's economy has also recorded robust 4.2 per cent growth in the first quarter of this year on the back of domestic demand and better export performance.
Furthermore, the World Bank forecasts Malaysia's economy to grow an "underachieving" 4.3 per cent in 2024 and 4.5 per cent in 2025, supported by private consumption.
Malaysians are calling for more vital collaboration between businesses and the government to address pressing societal issues.
The survey showed that public support for businesses partnering with the government in innovation has surged 19 per cent since 2015.
It also highlighted that 63 per cent of Malaysians felt the government regulators lacked the understanding to govern emerging technologies effectively, while 33 per cent of them believed that innovation needed to be better managed.
"As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries and daily lives, there is a critical need for businesses and governments to collaborate effectively.
"This partnership is essential to harnessing the benefits of new technologies while addressing ethical considerations and ensuring accessibility across all segments of society," said Chris de Cruz, the company's chief operating officer.
Despite the negative notions, the survey found that Malaysia's Trust Index Score increased by six points to 68 from 2023, placing the country among the top 10 most trusting nations out of the 28 surveyed globally.
"Malaysia's rise in trust underscores a positive shift in public perception towards our governance and institutional frameworks, signalling a growing optimism in our ability to navigate economic challenges and foster inclusive growth," de Cruz said.