Malaysia's inflation moderates

Fuel factor: Analysts say the moderation in inflation in June was mainly driven by a decline in the transport component, reflecting lower fuel prices.

 PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s inflation moderated for the second consecutive month in June, thanks to lower fuel prices, prompting economists to expect Bank Negara to maintain interest rates at the present level through 2017.

Data from the Statistics Department showed the consumer price index (CPI) growth – a gauge of inflation - in June slowed to 3.6% year-on-year (y-o-y) from 3.9% y-o-y in the preceding month.