Strong industrial output growth bodes well for KL's GDP

Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIA'S third-quarter GDP growth could surprise on the upside, economists said after the industrial output index (IPI) for August surged 6.8 per cent year-on-year, its strongest pace in more than two years.

The pick-up in industrial production was on the back of improved mining and steady manufacturing output amid resilient external demand, which in turn has boosted exports.