KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's inflation increased 1.6% in January as compared to the same month last year, the National Statistics Deparment reported on Thursday.
The increase in the consumer price index (CPI) was in line with market expectations and on a par with the rate of increase in December 2025.
The monthly headline inflation in January 2026 registered an increase of 0.1% as compared to 0.3% in December 2025.
According to the government agency, there were price increases in four groups, including personal care, social protection and miscenllaneous goods and services; education; housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels; and recreation, sport and culture.
The more rapid increase in these sectors was mitigated by the slower increase in insurance and financial services, restaurant and accommodation services, health, information and communication and furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance.
Additionally, the clothing and footwear group showed no inflation as compared to a 0.1% increase in December 2025.
The transport group recorded a downward trend of negative-0.7% in January as compared to an increase of 0.1% in the previous month.
