The World Bank’s downward revision of Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) to 4.5 percent for 2021 was expected, said International Trade and Industry Minister Azmin Ali.

The World Bank recently lowered its GDP growth projection for Malaysia for a second time to 4.5 percent for 2021 - from 6.0 percent estimated in March and 6.7 percent in December 2020 - after taking into account the rise in Covid-19 infections and a slower-than-expected vaccine rollout.