Malaysia

Malaysia’s GDP growth was sustained at 5.6% in 1Q2015 compared to 5.7% in

4Q2014 as slower exports were mitigated by firmer domestic demand. Private

consumption growth rose from 7.6% in 4Q2014 to 8.8% in 1Q2015 while

investment spending growth accelerated from 4.3% to 7.9% over the same period.

Malaysia’s exports registered a decline of 8.8% in April following an increase of

2.3% in March due to a decline in electrical and electronic exports (E&E) as well

as key commodity exports. A decline in the imports of capital and intermediate

goods led to a 7.0% drop in imports as compared to an increase of 5.8% over the

same period. Malaysia’s trade surplus narrowed to RM6.9 bil in April from RM7.8

bil in March.

Industrial production growth eased to 4.0% in April from 7.1% in March due

mainly to slower manufacturing output.

The inflation rate rose to 2.1% in May from 1.8% in April amid higher prices of

food and utilities.

Based on consensus estimates, Malaysia’s GDP growth is anticipated to moderate

to 4.8% in 2015 as consumer spending is envisaged to grow at a slower pace.

Malaysia’s GDP& Inflation Forecasts 2013 2014 2015F^ 2016F^

Real GDP Growth (%) 4.7 6.0 4.8 5.1

Inflation (%) 2.1 3.2 2.2 3.0 ^ Bloomberg consensus forecast (as at 26 June 2015)