Summary
- Economy expands 5.8% in second quarter.
- Services and manufacturing drive growth.
- Exports surge 45.3% in May.
- Labour market remains stable.
KUALA LUMPUR, August 2 — Malaysia’s economy expanded 5.8% in the second quarter of 2026, up from 5.4% in the previous quarter, driven by stronger performances.
In the services and manufacturing sectors, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). The manufacturing sector was supported by robust electrical and electronics output.
While mining and quarrying also recovered. DOSM said exports surged 45.3% year-on-year to RM184 billion in May, lifting total trade to RM327.6 billion and widening the trade surplus to RM40.4 billion.
The department added that inflation remained moderate at 1.9% in June, while the unemployment rate stayed unchanged at 3%, reflecting a stable labour market and positive economic outlook.
