Malaysia – IP is expected to have softened in April

The Department of Statistics will announce April industrial production (IP) data on 11 June. January-March IP increased 6.4% y/y, higher than 4.7% in the same period last year. 

Overall activity was likely supported by strong mining production, possibly due to new oil fields becoming operational. Manufacturing and electricity production was likely more moderate in Q1-2015 versus Q1-2014. 

Within manufacturing, production of electrical and electronic goods grew strongly by 10.6% in Q1, albeit slower than in 2014. A similar trend is expected for the transport equipment sector. 

"We forecast growth of 3.8% y/y in headline IP, slowing from 6.9% y/y in March",said Standard Chartered in a report on Wednesday.