Malaysia Agrees to USD 100m Currency Swap Requested by MMA, Says PM Anwar

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that Malaysia has agreed to provide a USD 100 million currency swap requested by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA). 

Speaking at a joint press conference with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during his state visit to the Maldives, Anwar said the exchange will be arranged between the MMA and Malaysia’s central bank, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). 

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Anwar said discussions between the two central banks are ongoing and called for the necessary technical work to be completed as soon as possible. 

Following the conclusion of talks and the MoU exchange, His Excellency President Dr @MMuizzu and The Honourable @anwaribrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, deliver press statements. Both leaders summarised the key outcomes of their meetings and emphasised the shared commitment to… pic.twitter.com/WgoiIe98ed— The President's Office (@presidencymv) September 15, 2026

The financing facility was among several matters raised by President Muizzu during bilateral discussions between the two countries, Anwar said.

The two central banks are expected to finalise the technical arrangements before the facility is established. 

The announcement came as the two countries signed two memoranda of understanding this morning to expand bilateral cooperation in defence and Islamic affairs.

The first MoU covers defence cooperation and was signed by Maldivian Defence Minister Hassan Rasheed and Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

The second MoU covers cooperation in the field of Islamic affairs and was signed by Maldivian Islamic Affairs Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed and Tengku Zafrul.

The agreements were signed at the President’s Office today. They follow five MoUs signed between the two countries during President Muizzu’s official visit to Malaysia in April 2025.