Malaysian exports fell 4.9 percent in November as demand for electrical and electronic products shrank, but the decline was much milder than expected, according to data released Wednesday.

The downturn in exports, which fell to RM51.79 billion from a year ago, was partially offset by higher shipments of liquefied natural gas.

Imports also slid 8.6 percent to RM40.29 billion, the trade ministry said in a statement.

November's trade surplus was recorded at RM11.49 billion, up from RM9.62 billion in October.

"Major product sectors which attributed to the decline in exports were electrical and electronic products, refined petroleum products, palm oil, chemicals and chemical products, crude rubber as well as iron and steel products," it said.]

Analyst: Lower than expected

Ratings agency RAM Holdings chief economist Yeah Kim Leng said the decline was "less than market expectations".

"This is the second consecutive month of decline. Malaysia is feeling the impact of downturn a few months later than the other open economies and export-oriented countries," he told AFP.

"I think in the case of Malaysia, the trade surplus will remain positive because of the concurrent decline in imports."

Malaysia's total trade for January to November reached RM1.105 trillion, with exports expanding by 12.1 percent to RM617.42 billion and imports rising by 5.9 percent to RM487.1 billion.