KUALA LUMPUR: The economy grew by a robust 5.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2017.
Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim said growth was driven by strong consumption activities and investment.
"The economy is poised for better performance with the support of exports," he told a media briefing today.
"Our diversified economy will help us withstand domestic and external challenges," he added.
Higher growth in the first three months was recorded in services (5.8 per cent), manufacturing (5.6 per cent), mining (1.6 per cent), agriculture (8.3 per cent) and construction (6.5 per cent).
Muhammad said headline inflation, which averaged 4.3 per cent, is expected to decrease from the second quarter onwards.
The current account remained in surplus due to a lower goods surplus and larger services deficit.