KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 1 -- Malaysia's manufacturing sector expanded in November for the first time in 18 months as new orders surged to a multi-year high.

The S&P Global Malaysia Manufacturing PMI rose to 50.1, edging above the 50-point mark that separates growth from contraction.

The survey showed new order inflows at their fastest rate since April 2022, with firms attributing the pick-up to stronger client confidence and the launch of new products.

"The degree of optimism was at its highest since July 2013, underpinned by hopes of business expansion, new product launches and rising customer numbers," said Usamah Bhatti, economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

The improvement also softened the slowdown in export sales, which moved ...