The contribution of information and communications technology (ICT) to the national economy registered 18.2 per cent or RM224 billion in 2016 compared with 7.8 per cent or RM205.1 billion in 2015, the Department of Statistic said.

In a statement, it said the ICT gross domestic product (ICTGDP) accounted for 13.4 per cent in 2016 compared with 13.1 per cent previously, while that of e-commerce for non-ICT industries rose 4.8 per cent from 4.7 per cent in 2015.

"ICTGDP grew 8.5 per cent in 2016, supported by ICT services (40 per cent) and ICT manufacturing (36.1 per cent).

"The main contributor to ICT services was telecommunications services, while ICT manufacturing was driven by electronic components and boards, communication equipment and consumer electronics," the department said.

It said the contribution of e-commerce to GDP recorded 6.1 per cent valued at RM74.6 billion, while the performance of e-commerce rose to 9.3 per cent, supported by non-ICT industry which experienced a 9.4 per cent growth.

The ICT industry employs 1.07 million people, contributing 7.6 per cent to the total employment, it said, adding that the ICT workforce was dominated by manufacturing at 38 per cent, followed by services (27 per cent) and trade (20.5 per cent).

-- BERNAMA