Chief Statistician Uzir Mahidin said most subsectors recorded an increase in the quarter under review.

“The arts, entertainment and recreation subsector rose by 5.5% (Q3 2023: 0.8%), attributed to an increase in gambling and betting activities (6.2%).

“Accommodation and food and beverage service activities went up by 3.4% (Q3 2023: 4.6%) due to increases recorded by beverage service activities (4%) and restaurants and mobile food service activities (3.8%),” he said in a statement.

Uzir said other subsectors that recorded marginal growth were education (1%), real estate activities (0.6%), health (0.3%), and professional (0.2%).

However, the transportation index saw a decline of 0.5%, particularly due to passenger air transport (-2.7%).

“Meanwhile, the index of information and communication was unchanged,” he said.

On an annual basis, the SPPI increased by 2.1% in 2023, which was similar to the previous year.

“With the exception of information and communication which remained unchanged, all other subsectors recorded an increase in 2023,” said Uzir.

On a quarter-on-quarter comparison, he said, the SPPI edged up by 0.1% compared to the 0.4% recorded in the previous quarter.