(May 19): Malaysia's exports in April rose 20.7% from a year earlier, above forecast, government data showed on Thursday.

April's exports were expected to rise 19.7%, according to 13 economists surveyed in a Reuters poll.

Imports in April grew 22% from a year earlier, the data showed. Analysts were expecting a 22% rise, according to 13 economists surveyed in a Reuters poll.

Malaysia's trade surplus in April was RM23.5 billion. Analysts had forecast a surplus of RM22.7 billion.