The government's RM7.3 billion stimulus package throws a lifeline to businesses hit by Sars but economists today said it will not be able to lift growth to a targeted 4.5 percent this year.

Tour agents, hoteliers, manufacturers and other business groups gave the thumbs-up to wide-ranging measures in the package, unveiled yesterday by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, to buffer the tough times.

But analysts said the impact would not be immediate and it would be tough to reach the 4.5 percent official growth forecast given the global economic uncertainties and renewed threats of terrorist attacks.