Bank Negara estimates inflation in 2013 will pick up slightly on high commodity and energy prices, but will remain below 3 percent, Zeti Akhtar Aziz, governor of Bank Negara, told reporters in Jakarta.

Malaysia posted robust economic growth of 5.2 percent in the third quarter this year, supported by buoyant domestic demand and investment, and Bank Negara left its overnight policy rate on hold at 3 percent last month.