KUALA LUMPUR (July 3): Malaysian exports fell 6.7% to RM60.5 billion in May, from a year earlier, mainly on weaker commodity sales to crucial markets, according to the Statistics Department.

In a statement today, the Statistics Department said the country had registered weaker sales of oil and gas, oil palm, natural rubber and timber-based products. Electrical and electronic (E&E) products, which constituted 34.9% of total exports, also saw lower sales.

In geographical terms, Malaysia reported lower exports to Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Indonesia and the US.

Meanwhile, Malaysian imports declined 7.2% to RM54.9 billion, as the country purchased less intermediate and capital goods during the month.

Consumption goods purchases however rose from a year earlier, according to the department.

"Total trade in May 2015, which was valued at RM115.4 billion, decreased RM8.6 billion or 6.9% from a year ago. However, it posted a growth of 1.3% or RM1.5 billion from the previous month.

"A trade surplus of RM5.5 billion was recorded in May 2015 — a decline of 2.3% from RM5.6 billion registered a year ago. It also fell 19.7% from RM6.9 billion, when compared with the previous month," the department said.

Malaysia's on-year May exports had declined by 6.7%, compared with a market forecast of an 8.9% fall, based on a Reuters survey.

Earlier, Reuters reported Malaysia's May exports probably fell due to slow demand for liquefied natural gas and manufactured exports.

May's imports were predicted to decline by 8.7 percent, due to weak domestic demand.