2012.05.10 06:16:07 MARKET TALK: Malaysia Mar Industrial Output +0.6% On Yr; Below View

0416 GMT [Dow Jones] Malaysia's industrial output expands 0.6% in March from a year earlier helped by manufacturing and electricity production, official data show. The rate of expansion was much slower than the median 2.5% growth expected by 12 economists polled by Dow Jones Newswires and the revised 8.2% growth registered in February. On-month, the industrial production index contracted 5.2%, the Department of Statistics says. Output in the manufacturing sector climbs 2.0% from a year earlier in March, faster than February's revised 10.4% growth. Electricity production climbs 4.9%. Mining sector output shrinks 4.1%. Separately, the Statistics Department says Malaysia's manufacturing sales gains 3.1% from a year earlier in March to MYR54.6 billion ($17.79 billion). From a month earlier, manufacturing sales rose 10.1%. (jason.ng@dowjones.com) Contact us in Singapore. 65 64154 140; MarketTalk@dowjones.com (END) Dow Jones Newswires May 10, 2012 00:16 ET (04:16 GMT)