Malaysian GDP expanded by 5.2% in 4Q2011, underpinned by the domestic demand. For the whole 2011, the Malaysian GDP expanded by 5.1%.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) grew by 3% in December 2011 year on year. The inflation grew by 0.1% when compared with November 2011. The CPI increased by 3.2% for 2011.

The Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) was left unchanged at 3% in the fourth quarter of 2011 given the higher downside risk to growth and lower upside risk to inflation. At prevailing level, OPR remains supportive of economic activity.

Effective 1st January 2012, the debt service ratio of a loan applicant is calculated based on a person's net income as opposed to the gross income

The international reserves of Bank Negara Malaysia amounted to RM423.4 billion as at 31st December 2011.

The global economic and financial conditions continued to experience stress in fourth quarter of 2011, following heightened concerns over the resolution of the European sovereign debt crisis. Growth in advanced countries was affected by high unemployment, weak housing markets and fiscal issues while growth in Asia was affected by weaker external demand.

Prime Minister has unveiled a tourism plan designed to make Langkawi as renowned as other world famous islands. The Langkawi Tourism Blueprint envisages RM5 billion worth of investment in tourism projects and aim to increase tourism arrivals from current 2.4 million to 3 million by 2015.

Kumpulan Europlus Berhad has obtained government approval to build a 316 km highways Banting in Selangor and Taiping in Perak, which is also known as West Coast Highway.

Prime Minister has announced a RM200 million facilitation fund to kick start the Iskandar Integrated Waterfront City project in Danga Bay, Johor Bahru. The allocation is to transform Danga Bay into a premier waterfront destination.

UOA Development Bhd and Vietnam based Hoa Binh Construction and Real Estate Corp will jointly develop the Sri Petaling residential project, comprising 670 condominiums with GDV of RM400 million

The redevelopment of Sri Terengganu flats in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur has started with the demolition of the old buildings.

Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts will be the latest luxury hotel brand that will have presence in Malaysia. The hotel is slated for opening in 2015.