Malaysian economy grew 5.4% in the first quarter of the year

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian economy grew by 5.4% in the first quarter this year, driven by continued expansion in private sector activity and net exports.
On a quarter-on-quarter seasonally-adjusted basis, the economy grew by 1.4%, compared with 1% in the fourth quarter (4Q) of 2017.
Headline inflation declined to 1.8% during the quarter under review, compared with 3.5% in 4Q 2017.
Governor Tan Sri Muhammad Ibrahim said the decline in inflation reflects the smaller contribution of domestic fuel prices due to the smaller increase in global oil prices and a stronger ringgit exchange rate.
"Growth is expected to remain favourable in 2018, with domestic demand continuing to be the key driver of growth," he said at a briefing today.