KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 10): Malaysia’s Index of Industrial Production (IPI) increased by 4% in June 2017 from a year ago, a moderation from the strong growth recorded of 4.6% in the previous month.

In a press release, the Department of Statistics Malaysia said the increase in IPI was supported by positive growth in all sectors, with manufacturing contributing 4.7% growth, while mining and electricity recording 2.4% and 2.1% growth respectively.

Nonetheless, growth in the manufacturing sector had moderated, as compared with the 7.3% recorded in May. The electrical and electronics products (E&E) saw a growth of 8.3% in June from a year ago, as compared with the 11.6% recorded in May. 

Similarly, the food, beverages and tobacco sector saw growth at 6.7% in June, halved from the 12.9% in May. Petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products recorded a 2.8% growth in the month under review, a slight decrease from the 3.1% recorded in May.  

The mining sector saw growth in June 2017, as compared with a contraction in May of 2.2%, as the index for crude oil and natural gas increased by 0.7% and 4.4% respectively.

The electricity output’s growth moderate to 2.1%, as compared with the 2.5% recorded in the previous month.