Malaysia's trade surplus rose in February to RM9.16 billion , 32 percent higher from the same period last year on strong exports, government data showed today.

February's trade surplus was up 21 percent from January. Exports totalled RM47.05 billion, a 14.5 percent increase from February 2007 and 11.3 percent lower from January 2008.

"The increase was mainly attributed to higher exports of palm oil, crude petroleum products and liquefied natural gas," the Ministry of International Trade and Industry said.

February imports grew by 10.9 percent from last year to RM37.89 billion but they were 6.3 percent lower against imports in January 2008.

Malaysia's exports to the United States, its main trading partner, dipped to RM6.04 billion in February from RM7.17 billion in January on lower exports of electrical and electronic products, the ministry said.

(AFP)