Google M’sia says sorry for publishing wrong exchange rate

KUALA LUMPUR: Google Malaysia has apologised for the erroneous US Dollar-Ringgit (USD-MYR) exchange rate published on its finance page.

“We immediately contacted the third party that provides USD-MYR exchange rate information to correct the error.

“The issue has now been resolved and we apologise for any confusion caused,” Google Malaysia posted on X.

Google Malaysia also went on to say that it provides currency exchange rates for information purposes only.

“Please consult official sources such as the Bank Negara Malaysia website when making any financial decisions,” it said on the micro-blogging site.

Google Malaysia published an inaccurate exchange rate on March 15, 2024. This was the second incident in which Google Malaysia published inaccurate USD/MYR exchange rate data in 2024. The first was on Feb 6.

Earlier reports quoted Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil as saying that the government had sought clarification from Google Malaysia concerning the erroneous exchange rate data.

Fahmi said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan and Bank Negara governor Datuk Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour had contacted Google Malaysia on the matter.

He said the inaccurate data circulating on social media was a worrying sign that had caused misunderstanding among Malaysians.

“We know and understand that Google serves as a reference for Malaysians.

“We hope that an explanation can be conveyed to the people,” he said, according to Bernama.