KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 -- Business confidence among Malaysian firms weakened in the first half of 2026, with the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) Business and Economic Conditions Survey (M-BECS) showing companies grappling with rising costs, external uncertainties and a more challenging operating environment.

ACCCIM president Datuk Ng Yih Pyng said the M-BECS' Business Condition Index (BCI) fell to 78.5 in the first half of 2026, while the Business Sentiment Index (BSI) signals cautious optimism for the latter half of the year.

"External factors, such as the military conflict in the Middle East, energy price volatility and supply chain disruptions, coupled with persistent cost pressures, are signi...