Malaysia experienced an unexpected slowdown in consumer price inflation in September, marking the lowest increase in five months, according to data released by the Department of Statistics on Thursday. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 1.8% year-on-year in September, slightly down from a 1.9% increase in August. Economists had anticipated the inflation rate would hold steady at 1.9%.
Additionally, core inflation decreased to 1.8% from the previous 1.9%. The yearly growth in transport costs cooled to 1.1% from 1.3%, while clothing and footwear prices saw a 0.3% decline. Housing and utility expenses continued to grow at a consistent annual rate of 3.1%, and the prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 1.6%.
On a monthly basis, consumer prices showed no change in October, following a minor 0.1% rise in September.
