Malaysia Expects GDP to Grow By 5.2-5.7 Per Cent - Central Bank

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is expecting gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by between 5.2 and 5.7 this year, mainly aided by the positive export sector and domestic demand, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM or Malaysia’s Central Bank) Governor Muhammad Ibrahim (picture). “The numbers are looking good with the export sector showing double-digit growth, and we really hope that there will be a pleasant surprise this year,” he said at a press conference following the release of the Economic and Financial Developments in the Third Quarter 2017 report. Muhammad, however, cautioned that the country should be mindful of external performance, which would not only affect Malaysia but globally. The third-quarter results showed that the GDP had grown at a faster pace at 6.2 per cent compared with 4.3 per cent in the same quarter last year, thanks to domestic demand, particularly private sector spending. From the supply side, the improvement was seen across all sectors – services, manufacturing, mining, agriculture and construction. (photoBERNAMA) -- BERNAMA