Malaysia’s GDP growth in Q2 higher than expectation
Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 4.9 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2019, compared to the 4.5 percent growth recorded in the first quarter of this year.
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - Malaysia’s gross domesticproduct (GDP) grew 4.9 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2019,compared to the 4.5 percent growth recorded in the first quarter of this year.
Speaking to the local media on August16, Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus said the positivegrowth was supported by strong performance by the majority of sectors.
The mining sectorexpanded 2.9 percent year on year, while services and construction grew 6.1 percentand 4.3 percent, respectively.
However, the agriculturalsector saw lower rise at 4.2 percent compared to 5.6 percent of the secondquarter in 2018.
Household spending and privateinvestment in the second quarter of 2019 were higher than expectation. Togetherwith higher net exports, these were important factors helping the country’s GDPexpanded strongly in the period.
Moving forward, Nor Shamsiah saidoverall, the baseline projection is for the Malaysian economy to grow between4.3 percent and 4.8 percent in 2019. But she added that the economy is stilllikely to continue to be affected by slower global growth amid ongoing tradetensions.-VNA
Malaysia has filed criminal charges against 17 current and former directors at subsidiaries of the Goldman Sachs Group of the US in a corruption investigation at the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) fund, the country’s attorney general said on August 9.
Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry Darell Leiking on August 9 announced the third national car project following Proton and Perodua car schemes.
Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Mohamaddin Ketapi said on August 15 that the country served 78.2 million domestic tourists last year, up nearly 11 percent year-on-year.
Indonesia is committed to pursuing a proactive foreign principle in both political and economic affairs amid rising global geopolitical tensions, according to Indonesian Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati.
Minister Sulaiman issued a 14-day deadline for businesses to rectify practices, while cautioned that failure to comply would prompt strict enforcement measures.
In their statement, the ministers expressed concern over the escalation of tensions in the Middle East since June 13 and welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran on June 24. They called on all parties to respect the ceasefire and avoid further escalation of the conflict.
The top three categories of illegal health product listings detected and removed by HSA consisted of medicine for skin and hair conditions (37%); antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral creams, tablets or capsules (15%); and unregistered contact lenses (13%).
Rudy Salim, executive chairman of Prestige Aviation – the company that introduced the EHang 216-S to Indonesia, said its agenda is to continue test flights, so that this can become a future mode of tourism and transportation.
Startup ASEAN platform brings all stakeholders together under one digital roof, expected to promote open innovation, improve access to capital, and strengthen ASEAN’s position as a dynamic and connected innovation powerhouse.
Indonesia as an appealing destination for investment in energy transition. It is Southeast Asia’s largest energy consumer and the region’s fourth most populous country. However, the majority of the country's existing power plants still rely on fossil fuels.
The Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore urged all Vietnamese firms trading with Singapore to seriously comply with its legal regulations, particularly customs requirements.
The Grandma Island soccer team was about to go to compete for Setokok Island, Batam city. In the middle of the trip, the boat was hit by waves and overturned.
Mexico's Nuevo León leaders underscored the state’s keen interest in partnering with ASEAN – a region known for dynamic economic growth, a young population, an expanding middle class, and a growing role in global supply chains.
Thailand has imposed a comprehensive ban on electronic waste imports as it grapples with a burgeoning e-waste problem. A 2021 report from the Pollution Control Department revealed that the country generates over 400,000 tonnes of domestic electronic waste annually.
Phuket airport authorities said the incident did not affect flights or airport operations, and security personnel are also stepping up surveillance in public areas, with CCTV covering all the airport area.
The facility will integrate multiple components, including mining operations, a smelter, high-pressure acid leach (HPAL) processing, and production of precursors and cathodes.
A participant in the Malaysia Economic Forum 2025 said despite challenges, there are significant opportunities in AI, digital transformation, and green technologies, requiring the country to balance both risk and potential thoughtfully.
Themed “emerging trends in terrorism and violent extremism”, the event drew over 200 participants from domestic and international agencies, discussing the rapid evolution of terrorism and the need for stronger regional and global cooperation.
Indonesia aims to start nuclear power generation by 2034, with a government roadmap already in place to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) with capacities ranging from 300 to 500 megawatts.