UBS predicts Malaysia’s 2013 GDP at below 5%

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) is unlikely to surpass 5% in 2013, given the weaker 4.1% growth achieved in the first quarter of the year, according to UBS Investment Bank.

“GDP grew 4.1% in the first quarter. You need a pretty strong bounce-back to reach 5% in 2013,” said UBS senior Asean economist Edward Teather via a tele-conference call yesterday.