Malaysia's Q3 GDP slowed to 5.3% as mining contracted 4.9%
What's next: Final third-quarter GDP data is due Nov. 18 after the government lifted its 2026 growth outlook toward the top of a 4.8%-5.3% range.
Malaysia's economy grew 5.3% from a year earlier in the third quarter, easing from 6% in the prior quarter, according to an official advance estimate. Growth was recorded across all major sectors except mining and quarrying, which fell 4.9%. Services expanded 5.4%, manufacturing rose 7.5% on export-oriented industries, and construction grew 6%, helped in part by data center projects. Malaysia has benefited from a global buildout of AI infrastructure that has boosted demand for tech products and semiconductors. The government last week raised its 2026 growth projection for a second time this year, pointing to expansion near the upper end of its 4.8% to 5.3% forecast range. Final third-quarter GDP figures are scheduled for release on Nov. 18.