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 2024 increased to 1.9% as compared to 1.7% recorded in March 2024.

In its run-down of the consumer price index for April, the agency said inflation for the restaurant and accommodation services rose 3.5% in April as compared to 3% in March 2024, due to an increase in the main subgroup of beverage preparation services.

It said the food and beverages group recorded an increase of 2% in April.

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"The main subgroup of food at home increased marginally to 0.4% in April 2024 (March 2024: 0.3%).

"Meanwhile, the main subgroup of food away from home rose higher to 4% as compared to 3.5% in the previous month."

The overall monthly inflation recorded an increase of 0.2% as compared to 0.1% recorded in March 2024.

The increase was mainly driven by personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services (0.9%); recreation, sport and culture (0.8%) and restaurant and accommodation services (0.3%).