Economy returns to growth in Q4, says poll

Malaysia’s exports and industrial production rose strongly in December from a year earlier, suggesting a sharp recovery in economic activity.

BENGALURU: Malaysia’s economy likely bounced back to growth in the final quarter (Q4) of 2021, propelled by strong exports and private investments, but the fast-spreading Omicron coronavirus variant poses a threat to the outlook, a Reuters poll has found.

Growth in South-East Asia’s third-largest economy rebounded last quarter to 3.3% year-on-year after shrinking 4.5% in the July-September period, according to the median forecast of 20 economists polled Feb 3-8.