“We will give attention and assistance to all sectors including the most badly affected sectors, which are tourism, retail and SME (small and medium-size enterprises),” he said.

He said the government is optimistic that the country’s economy will recover next year in line with the positive growth projections made by the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

However, he said, the recovery period may differ depending on the economic sector.

“This year, Malaysia’s gross domestic product is expected to grow between 3% and 4%, while the IMF and World Bank are forecasting a 5%-6% growth rate for 2022.

“This shows that our economy will recover next year,” he told reporters after a working visit to the Orang Asli settlement in Kampung Limbahan/Jeti Sudin near Tasik Bera today.

Tengku Zafrul said that the country’s latest economic growth forecast would be announced when the budget is tabled on Oct 29.