PETALING JAYA: The latest industrial production index (IPI) data tracking manufacturing, mining and electricity output released last week shows that the Malaysian economy is on course for slower growth, as external challenges centring around trade and geopolitics continue to weigh on industrial activities.
The IPI registered a slight growth of 0.3% year-on-year (y-o-y) in May after a 2.7% expansion in April, which was below market expectations for an increase of 2.1% y-o-y, with analysts projecting moderate growth this year against a backdrop of global trade uncertainty and early indications of improvements in manufacturing-sector conditions.
