Price Conditions
Headline inflation, as measured by the annual percentage change in
Consumer Price Index (CPI), was substantially lower at 0.1% in February (Jan:
1.0%), the lowest since November 2009, due mainly to the downward revision in
fuel pump prices during the month. Prices for petrol and diesel were further revised
downwards by 11 to 23 sen per litre, which translated into a price decline for
the transport category (Feb: -11.8%; Jan: -6.0%). Inflation in the food and
non-alcoholic beverages category remained stable at 2.7% (Jan: 2.8%)
following the implementation of the festive season price-control scheme prior to
the Chinese New Year. These factors have more than offset the slight increase
in inflation for housing and utilities during the month, which was due mainly
to higher rentals across most types of properties.
Monetary Conditions
Interbank rates were relatively stable in February. In terms of retail
lending rates, the average Base Rate of commercial banks was stable at 3.90%.
Retail deposit rates were broadly unchanged throughout the period. On an annual
basis, broad money (M3) growth increased to 6.9% in February. The expansion in
M3 was driven mainly by the extension of credit to the private sector by the
banking system. The expansion, however, was partially offset by the decline in
net foreign assets following net external outflows. Net financing to the private
sector grew at a stable pace of 7.9% in February, amid higher growth of
outstanding banking system loans and a moderation in the growth of net
issuances of private debt securities (PDS). Outstanding business loans
registered a higher annual growth rate, with an expansion in loans to the transport,
storage and communication; finance, insurance and business services; and wholesale
and retail trade, and restaurants and hotels sectors. Outstanding household
loans increased at a stable rate of 9.7%. Loan applications and approvals
moderated relative to the previous month, reflecting the fewer working days due
to several public holidays during the month.
Banking System
The banking system remained well-capitalised with the Common Equity Tier
1 Capital Ratio, Tier 1 Capital Ratio and Total Capital Ratio at 12.6%, 13.3%
and 15.3%, respectively. The level of net impaired loans remained stable to
account for 1.3% of net loans. Loan loss coverage ratio remained above 90%.
Exchange Rates and International Reserves
In February, the ringgit appreciated against the currencies of all of
Malaysia’s major trade partners. The ringgit appreciation was on account of
inflows of non-resident portfolio investment due to renewed investor interest
in Malaysian financial assets. The international reserves of Bank Negara
Malaysia amounted to RM381.5 billion (equivalent to USD109.2 billion) as at 13
March 2015, sufficient to finance 7.8 months of retained imports and are 1.1
times the short-term external debt.