Malaysia's economy expanded 5.3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, slowing from the 6.3% growth recorded in Q4 2025 — the fastest pace in three years — according to official advance estimates released Friday. Growth was supported by manufacturing, services, and construction, though the mining and quarrying sector contracted 1.1% due to lower crude oil and natural gas output. Officials described the economy as "fundamentally resilient" despite global uncertainties, and final Q1 figures are due on 15 May; separately, consumer prices rose 1.7% in March year-on-year, slightly above February's 1.4% reading.