07/11/2012 (Bernama) - The Malaysian economy is expected to expand at a moderate pace of 4.5 per cent next year, mainly due to lacklustre global demand amid a softer commodity outlook.

Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) Research said while it remains confident that bunching of projects (construction and oil & gas) will help boost domestic sources of growth, the weaker global demand, especially for commodities, is expected to weigh in on Malaysia's external sector.

"Household consumption growth is also expected to soften in 2013 as asset inflation wanes, while an income boost from high commodity prices disappears.

"On the trade sector, we expect export prices of commodities (i.e. crude palm oil, rubber, crude oil) to come under pressure in 2013, given the subdued global demand, particularly weak demand from China as its economic growth remains in soft patch.

"With the assumption of lower commodity prices for 2013, Malaysia's exports in nominal terms will be affected," the research house said in its 2013 Economic Outlook report, here Tuesday.