DHAKA: Malaysia’s economy surprisingly picked up speed in the fourth quarter on strong construction and manufacturing activity, boosting full-year growth to its fastest in four years.

Gross domestic product for the fourth quarter grew 5.8 percent, exceeding the median forecast of 5 percent in a media poll, and picking up from 5.6 percent in the third quarter.

The stronger-than-expected momentum lifted full-year growth in 2014 to 6.0 percent, the fastest pace since 2010, and beating economists' forecast of 5.8 percent.

However, economists said that Malaysia’s strong economic performance might not last as it confronts sluggish global demand for its exports and weak energy and commodity prices, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1226 HRS, FEB 12, 2015