KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 -- Malaysia's manufacturing sector showed signs of expansion as new orders increased for the first time in four months, suggesting growth momentum into 2025.

The S&P Global Malaysia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 49.7 in February, the highest since August 2024, moving closer to the neutral 50.0 mark.

"February data indicated improving trends for the Malaysian manufacturing sector, although conditions remained generally challenging," said Usamah Bhatti, economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Manufacturers reported a slight increase in new business, with firms attributing this to a gradual improvement in demand despite lingering caution among clients.

The rise in orders helped soften t...