KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 18 -- Growing confidence among Malaysians reflects stronger faith in recent policy measures and economic management, according to Ipsos' latest survey.

In the firm's latest Cost of Living Monitor, 69 per cent of Malaysians now believe the country is heading in the right direction, up from 66 per cent last year.

Malaysians were also increasingly optimistic about the country's economic future, with 73 per cent saying they considered the trajectory to be "good/very good", an increase from 6 per cent previously and bucking regional and global trends.

"National confidence in the country's direction is strengthening, reflecting growing positive sentiment towards recent policy measures.

"Malaysia now stands as the most eco...