Malaysia's economy expands 5.8% in 2Q, advance estimates reveal
Malaysia's economy grew by 5.8% in the second quarter of 2026, exceeding expectations due to strong performance in the manufacturing and mining sectors. This growth marks an improvement from the 5.4% expansion seen in the previous quarter.
Why it matters
The data indicates a robust economic recovery for Malaysia, signaling positive momentum for the nation's industrial and service sectors.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's economy outpaced expectations with 5.8% growth in the second quarter of 2026 (2Q), up from 5.4% in the previous quarter, the official advance estimates show.
In its release, the National Statistics Department said the stronger growth was underpinned by a faster rate of expansion in the manufacturing and mining sectors.
The economy was also supported by growth in the services and construction sectors. The agriculture sector, however, contracted during this quarter.
On quarter-on-quarter basis, Malaysia’s economy rose 1.7%, partially retracing the 4.4% decline in the first quarter of 2026.
For the first half of 2026, Malaysia's economy expanded 5.6%, as compared to 4.5% in the same period in 2025.
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