KUALA LUMPUR (May 15): Malaysia’s current-account surplus rebounded in the first quarter (1Q) as exports of goods surged and excess in the services account expanded.

Surplus in the current account totalled RM15.2 billion in the first three months of 2026, the Department of Statistics Malaysia said in a statement. That compares to RM2.7 billion in the immediate preceding quarter and RM13.8 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2025.

The surplus means that the country is earning more foreign exchange from goods and services exported than it is spending on imports.

“This performance reflects the resilience of the country’s exports, supported by steady global demand for Malaysia’s key export products,” said chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin.

The goods account surplus hit RM33.6 billion while the services account reported a surplus of RM6.4 billion, mainly driven by maintenance and repair services as well as telecommunications, computer and information services from continued expansion of data centres activities in Malaysia.

The primary income account, meanwhile, was broadly stable in 1Q with a deficit of RM20.9 billion as earnings generated by foreign investors in Malaysia moderated and Malaysian companies abroad earned lower income.

The secondary income accounts — transfers and payments between residents and non-residents — also saw wider deficits mainly due to continued outward payments abroad.

The financial account registered net inflow of RM27.4 billion, led by direct and portfolio investment while both foreign direct investment and direct investment abroad also rose.