March inflation rate 0.9% up

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s inflation rate rose 0.9% in March from a year ago, which is in line with consensus, due to increases in alcoholic beverages and health.

The Statistics Department said the inflation rate, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) also rose 0.9% from a month ago due to higher transport costs.

The department said yesterday that the 0.9% increase to 110.9 from 109.9 a year ago was due to increases in alcoholic beverages & tobacco group by 10.6%; health by 3.6%; restaurants & hotels (+2.8%); and food & non-alcoholic beverages (+2.3%).