Malaysia posted a trade surplus of RM31.2 billion for the first eight months of 2002 despite a drop in the value of its crude export. (US$1=RM3.8). Both exports and imports grew by 3.6% (+RM8.0 billion) and 6.6% (+RM12.4 billion) respectively, said the Malaysian Department of Statistics. Total exports amounted to RM231.5 billion while imports were…