KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 — Malaysia’s inflation increased at a slower rate of 1.4 per cent in March, with the index points at 134.1 compared to 132.2 in the previous corresponding month, said the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin said that the increase in inflation in March was driven by a slower increase in the group of personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services at 3.6 per cent versus 3.7 per cent in February.
“This is followed by restaurant and accommodation services, 2.9 per cent (February: 3.5 per cent); housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, 1.9 per cent (February: 2.3 per cent); alcoholic beverages and tobacco, 0.8 per cent (February: 0.9 per cent) and furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance, 0.2 per cent (February: 0.3 per cent),” he said in a statement today.
Inflation for education (2.2 per cent) and recreation, sport, and culture (1.7 per cent) recorded higher increases compared to February.
“Meanwhile, food and beverages (2.5 per cent), insurance and financial services (1.5 per cent), health (1.0 per cent) and transport (0.7 per cent), increased at the same rate as recorded in the previous month.
“In addition, information and communication and clothing and footwear remained at a negative territory, registering -5.4 per cent and -0.2 per cent, respectively,” Uzir said.
— Bernama
