While domestic demand has remained strong, the overall growth performance was affected by a weak external sector.
The central bank expects domestic demand to continue to support growth over the rest of the year, sustained by private consumption and capital spending, while the prolonged weakness in the external sector will continue to affect growth. The economy is forecast to grow in the 4.5 - 5 percent range this year.
On a year over year basis, Malaysian economy grew 4.3 percent in Q2, slightly up from 4.1 percent recorded in Q1.