ANN/THE STAR – Malaysia’s inflation in August moderated to 1.9 per cent compared to a year earlier, slightly less than forecast, according to the Statistics Department (DOSM).
The consumer price index (CPI) rose at a slightly lower rate than market expectations, which had predicted a two per cent increase, according to a poll.
DOSM said the increase of inflation in August was driven by the incline in the main groups of restaurant and accommodation services (3.2 per cent); personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services (3.2 per cent); housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (3.1 per cent) and recreation, sports and culture (two per cent).
Meanwhile, other main groups recorded an increased rate below the overall inflation rate of 1.9 per cent. However, clothing and footwear remained at negative 0.2 per cent in August 2024.
Chief Statistician Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin noted that at the state level, most states experienced inflation rates below the national rate of 1.9 per cent.
However, four states recorded increases above the national inflation level namely Pulau Pinang (3.3 per cent), Pahang (2.8 per cent), Sarawak (2.5 per cent) and Selangor (2.3 per cent).
All states registered an increase in the inflation of food and beverages. The highest rate was recorded by Selangor at 2.8 per cent, followed by Pulau Pinang (2.7 per cent), Sarawak (two per cent), Pahang (1.9 per cent), Putrajaya (1.8 per cent) and Terengganu (1.6 per cent).
