Social comparison, greed among elements leading to corruption, says Chief Secretary to Govt

PUTRAJAYA: The habit of comparing oneself to others who appear more successful or possess more wealth, and prioritising greed disproportionate to financial capabilities, are among the elements that can prompt civil servants to commit immoral actions, such as corruption. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said that this phenomenon, however, is...

Lower inflation helps ringgit extend gain against US dollar at close

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit closed marginally higher against the US dollar on Monday as a lower domestic inflation rate helped to extend its recent gains, an analyst said. At 6 pm, the local currency climbed to 4.2000/2060 against the greenback, compared to last week's close of 4.2005/2070. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul...

Ringgit closes at strongest level in 16 months after cooler US inflation data

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit ended the day’s trading at about 4.41 against the US dollar, its best close in 16 months, as the US Federal Reserve was seen to be on track to cutting interest rates in September. At 6 pm, the ringgit surged to 4.4170/4235 versus the greenback from yesterday’s close of 4.4440/4505. The local note’s...

Ringgit pares gains against US$ on profit-taking

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit pared last week’s gains to close lower against the US dollar today due to profit-taking, an analyst said. At 6 pm, the ringgit slid to 4.4500/4580 versus the greenback from Friday's close of 4.4200/4280. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the local note is currently in an...

Ringgit opens firmer against US$, Asian currencies

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar and ASEAN currencies, lifted by positive sentiments ahead of the announcement of Malaysia’s inflation rate for June this Wednesday. At 8 am, the ringgit rose to 4.6815/6910 against the greenback from last Friday’s close of 4.6840/6875. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid...

Malaysia’s inflation remains at 1.8% in April

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's inflation remained at 1.8% for the third consecutive month in April, led higher by price increases in restaurant and accommodation services. The rate of increase was lower than the median forecast of 1.9% in a Reuters poll of economists. In a statement, the National Department of Statistics said the country's core inflation in April...

More needs to be done to improve Malaysia’s standing, say NGOs about Corruption Perception Index

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's ranking on a major world corruption index in 2023 is expected to be weighed down despite the unity government's intense drive to weed out graft and financial malfeasance, say civil society groups. One of the main reasons was the negative reaction towards the court's decision to hand out discharge not amounting to acquittal...

Ringgit opens flat vs US dollar, but stronger vs other currencies

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened almost flat against the US dollar today, ahead of the United States Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for July set to be released today. At 9.05 am, the local note stood at 4.5710/5760 against the greenback compared with 4.5705/5755 at Wednesday’s close. ActivTrades trader Dyogenes Rodrigues Diniz told Bernama that the US...