Malaysian Inflation 'Steady', But Many Feel the Heat of Price Increases

<p>&nbsp;Malaysia's inflation rate remained stable in August following slower price increases in food and non-alcoholic beverages.</p><p><br /></p><p>Most recently, the National Statistics Department (DOSM) reported that the annual consumer price index (CPI) increased at 2%, unchanged from the previous month and in line with market forecasts.</p><p><br /></p><p>Meanwhile, core inflation (excluding the price of fresh food and government-controlled goods) decreased to 2.5% from 2.8% previously.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Scrutinize the comprehensive details of the Malaysian CPI component that measures the inflation rate.</p><p><br /></p><p>Food and non-alcoholic beverages fell to 4.1% from 4.4%</p><p>The transport sector rose to 0% from -0.4%</p><p>The restaurant and hotel sector declined to 4.7% from 5.0%</p><p>Housing care, furniture and household appliances sector decreased to 1.7% from 1.9%</p><p>The other goods and services sector fell to 2.4% from 2.6%</p><p>Recreation and culture sector down to 1.0% from 1.1%</p><p>Housing, water, electricity, gas and fuel sectors rose 1.8% from 1.7%</p><p>The education sector rose to 2.1% from 2.0%</p><p>The health sector increased to 2.4% from 2.0%</p><p>The communications sector was unchanged at -3.7%</p><p>Clothing and footwear fell to 0% from 0.1%</p><p>Alcoholic beverages and tobacco unchanged at 0.5%</p><p>In addition, inflation in urban areas fell to 2.0% compared to 2.1% previously and rural areas remained unchanged at 1.9%.</p><p><br /></p><p>Malaysia's inflation is still among the lowest compared to several other countries except Thailand (0.4%), where Europe (5.2%), the United States (3.7%), the Philippines (4.7%), Indonesia (3.3%) and South Korea (3.4%) .</p>