Malaysia's GDP grew 4.2% in Q1, fastest in a year

KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia's economy expanded 4.2% in the January to March quarter from a year earlier, its fastest pace of growth in a year, official data from the central bank showed Friday.

Malaysia's growth slowed last year due to weak exports after logging revised 5.5% growth in the first quarter of 2023. But the latest gross domestic product figures showed that robust private consumption buoyed the economy. External demand also recovered.