Malaysian export growth stagnated in July as the electronics sector shrank compared to a year ago, offsetting rising payments from a booming palm oil industry, according to data released today.

The trade ministry said receipts from electrical and electronic goods fell to RM21.852 billion, from RM23.963 billion in July 2006.

Malaysia is a major manufacturer of electronic goods and semi-conductors. The island state of Penang is home to hundreds of high-tech firms including Dell, Intel and Motorola, and is billed as Southeast Asia's "Silicon Valley".

Overall exports came in at RM50.516 billion in July, compared to RM50.526 billion a year ago. Imports rose 2.5 percent to RM42.54 billion.

Total trade during the first seven months of 2007 was worth RM615.63 billion, an increase of 2.1 percent from the previous corresponding period.

Malaysia's trade surplus eased to RM7.98 billion in July, from the RM8.70 billion posted in June.