Malaysia adds $53bn of coronavirus stimulus as fiscal pressure mounts

Indonesia also in tight spot while Singapore and others have wiggle room

A worker sprays disinfectant at a closed Kuala Lumpur market. With a prolonged coronavirus lockdown choking the economy, the Malaysian government has introduced two rounds of stimulus. © Reuters

P PREM KUMAR and DYLAN LOH, Nikkei staff writers

March 27, 2020 18:27 JST

KUALA LUMPUR/SINGAPORE -- Malaysia announced a $53 billion coronavirus relief package on Friday afternoon, committing huge sums to help locked-down businesses and citizens weather the crisis.