MALAYSIA

Credit-Curbing Measures in the Works: The government is taking steps to rein in galloping consumer spending as part of an effort to reduce imports and dampen inflationary pressures. Bank Negara, Malaysia’s central bank, is requiring financial institutions to raise their reserve requirements this month in a bid to reduce consumer credit. Also, financial institutions will now be permitted to lend only 75% of the price of a new or used vehicle, compared to the previous 90%. Bank Negara officials say consumer credit has grown at an annual rate of 70% the past two years.