KUALA LUMPUR: The local Chinese business community is optimistic of a turnaround in the Malaysian economy in 2018, when conditions are expected to improve. However, the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) said businesses surveyed showed pessimism this year and for 2017. For the first six months of 2016, sales performance deteriorated in the manufacturing sector, in contrast with an improvement in the sales performance for businesses in the wholesale and retail sector. Other concerns include a shortage of foreign workers in the country, which continues to impact the economy, according to ACCCIM president Datuk Ter Leong Yap. The government has opened four sectors (manufacturing, construction, plantations and furniture-making industries) for application to employ foreign workers.

Source: New Strait Times September 15, 2016 04:50 UTC