Total Factor Productivity in the Malaysian Resource-Based Industries

This paper will focus on the issues of total factor productivity growth (TFPG) for both 3 and 5-digit level and the performance of resource-based industries (RBIs) in Malaysia for the period 1981-1997. By using the neoclassical Cobb-Douglas production function and traditional growth accounting methodology (Solow-residual) with time discrete Tornqvist weighted value share index, the TFPG estimation for both classifications shows an interesting pattern in terms of sign and fundamental composition. The development of RBIs during the period under study is mostly input driven (moving towards a capital intensive industry), where supply effect of unskilled labour assimilates to the underlying value added growth over time.