NEW YORK (March 8):  The International Monetary Fund sees Malaysia growth in 2018 moderating from estimated 2017 real GDP growth of 5.8%, the IMF says in statement.

* IMF says 2017 real GDP growth was driven by domestic demand and robust imports

* IMF sees Malaysia headline inflation moderating to 3.2% in 2018 after headline consumer price inflation went up to 3.8% in 2017 on higher oil prices

* IMF sees Malaysia current account surplus softening to 2.4% of GDP in 2018 as export growth normalizes

* NOTE: Earlier, Malaysia’s Central Bank Holds Policy Rate as Inflation Eases (1)

** Also: Dec. 11, IMF Sees Malaysia 2017 Real GDP Growth 5.5%–6.0%