March exports surges past RM80b for first time
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's economic growth may surprise on the upside from the initial forecasts due to growth in exports, says executive director of the Socio- Economic Research Centre (SERC) Lee Heng Guie.
Lee, who is an economist, said on Tuesday the key to this was the export figures which could push the gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by up to 5% this year.
"Growth in exports could provide some upside push to the GDP number. In the first we think GDP was quite flattish (from the previous year) at 4.4%.
"I will relook at my numbers of 4.3% soon depending on first quarter numbers," he said at a press briefing here on Tuesday.
But he also cautioned of potential headwinds to growth including the high cost of living, inflation and business sentiment.
"If exports continue to grow stronger and stronger, then I will raise my forecasts," Lee said.
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