KUALA LUMPUR (May 12): Malaysia's industrial production index (IPI) rose 2.8% in March from a year earlier, supported by manufacturing and electricity output growth. Mining production however, fell.

According to the Statistics Department's statement today, manufacturing and electricity output grew 4.4% and 7.7% respectively. Mining production decreased 2.5%.

Manufacturing output expanded on higher production of items, including electrical and electronic, besides rubber and plastic products.

Mining output fell as crude oil and natural gas production declined.

In February, the IPI rose 3.9% from a year earlier, according to the department.

First quarter IPI expanded 3.3%, compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

The expansion was due to increase in the manufacturing and electricity production, although mining output fell.

Manufacturing and electricity production increased 4.3% and 8.5% respectively. Mining output decreased 0.3%.