Malaysian equities fell for a third consecutive session on Friday, as fresh macroeconomic data confirming a sequential stall in first-quarter economic growth prompted institutional investors to take a back seat.
The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI shed 5.36 points to end 0.3% lower at 1,740.22. The day range was between 1,735.51 and 1,748.85.
In economic news, Malaysia's economy expanded by 5.4% in the first quarter, slowing from 6.2% expansion in the previous quarter, according to data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the economy slipped marginally by 0.01%, against the 1.4% quarter-on-quarter growth in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Malaysia recorded a current account surplus of 15.2 billion ringgit in the first quarter, supported by a stronger goods account and continued improvement in services, according to data from the Department of Statistics said.
In corporate news, shares of IOI (KLSE:IOICORP) slid about 2% on close after it reported fresh fruit bunch production of 215,533 tonnes in April, alongside 11,117 tonnes from outside purchases. Crude palm oil output stood at 49,445 tonnes, while palm kernel production totalled 8,547 tonnes.
Yinson Holdings (KLSE:YINSON) announced plans to seek shareholder approval for the renewal of its share buyback authority. Its shares were up nearly 1% at the close.