Malaysia’s Purchasing Manager Index for December 2020 Indicates Cautious Optimism

Malaysia’s Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) for December 2020 was 49.1, an increase compared to the 48.4 recorded in November 2020, data from IHS Markit showed. The December reading also marked the highest PMI reading since 49.3 recorded in August 2020. The statement revealed that this development indicated a further improvement of health within the manufacturing sector.

According to IHS Markit, employment levels were largely stable in December 2020 for the first time since May 2020, although production volumes and sales weakened further. The stabilisation in employment stemmed from the preparation for future orders which required additional capacity. IHS Markit noted that the increase in employment levels resulted in December 2020’s employment index rising t...