KUALA LUMPUR, 4 July 2026 (The Capital Post) – Rising operating costs continue to shape business priorities in Malaysia, with energy management emerging as a key strategic focus for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), according to the UOB Business Outlook Study 2026.
The study found that 77 per cent of Malaysian SMEs remain optimistic about their business prospects in 2026, although smaller businesses are taking a more cautious stance amid ongoing economic uncertainties. Nearly three in ten SMEs continue to face pressure from rising operating expenses, labour costs and higher interest rates, prompting many to strengthen cost management measures.
Energy management has become an increasingly important priority as businesses seek to improve operational efficiency and manage rising costs. Around three in four businesses surveyed consider energy management and efficiency important, with 84 per cent of companies in the manufacturing, engineering and industrial sectors identifying it as a key focus area.
The study revealed that businesses are primarily focused on reducing energy consumption, lowering energy costs and ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply to support daily operations.
UOB Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Ng Wei Wei said persistent cost pressures, including energy and fuel expenses, continue to weigh on businesses, making energy management a practical solution, particularly for medium-sized enterprises that are better positioned to implement efficiency initiatives.
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She added that for smaller businesses facing tighter financial constraints, initiatives such as the Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) SME Stabilisation Relief Facility, together with UOB Malaysia’s financial relief assistance programmes, provide timely support to help businesses manage cash flow, sustain operations and navigate evolving market conditions.
The study also found that around two in five businesses have already adopted energy-saving solutions such as solar panels and LED lighting to reduce electricity consumption, while many SMEs are increasingly exploring digital technologies to further improve energy efficiency and operational resilience.
Beyond cost management, the report highlights a broader shift towards resilience-driven business strategies, with companies placing greater emphasis on operational stability, supply chain continuity and long-term sustainability rather than rapid expansion.
According to a statement by UOB Malaysia, the latest edition of the UOB Business Outlook Study reflects the changing business landscape across seven Asian markets and underscores the growing importance of resilience, energy efficiency and strategic planning in helping businesses adapt to evolving economic and geopolitical challenges. – The Capital Post.
