KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 10): Malaysia’s industrial production index (IPI) grew 4.7% in December 2016 from a year earlier, on higher manufacturing, mining and electricity output.

The Statistics Department said in a statement today that manufacturing and mining output rose 4.3% and 5.8% respectively, while electricity production climbed 6.1%.

"The manufacturing sector output grew by 4.3% in December 2016, after recording a significant growth of 6.5% in November 2016. The major sub-sectors which recorded an expansion in December 2016 were: petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products (3.7%); electrical and electronics products (5.3%); and food, beverages and tobacco (8.8%).

"The mining sector output posted a higher growth of 5.8% in December 2016, after an increased of 4.7% in November 2016. This expansion was contributed by the increased in natural gas index (12.7%) and crude oil index (0.1%). The electricity sector output increased by 6.1% in December 2016, following an expansion of 9.7% in November 2016," the department said.

In November 2016, the IPI rose 6.2% from a year earlier, the department said.