PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s inflation rate remains moderate and under control despite a slight increase, says Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
The Economy Minister said Malaysia’s inflation rate rose to 1.9% in April 2026 from 1.7% in March, but remained lower than that of several regional economies, including the Philippines at 7.2%, Vietnam (5.5%), Indonesia (2.4%) and Korea (2.6%).
He explained that the increase in domestic inflation was mainly driven by the transport sector, which rose from 1.6% in March to 4.1% in April.
“The main factor is the increase in the average diesel price in Peninsular Malaysia to RM5.92 per litre compared with RM4.12 per litre in March 2026, as well as the increase in the price of RON97 to RM5.06 per litre compared with RM4.03 per litre previously,” he told a press conference on the global energy crisis on Tuesday (May 19).
Akmal Nasrullah added that television subscription fees and postpaid mobile phone bills also contributed to the increase in the inflation rate.
However, other key groups, such as food and beverages (F&B) and housing, remained under control and did not record any significant changes.
“This indicates that domestic inflationary pressures remain concentrated in specific components and have not yet broadly spread to household expenditure.
“The trend in goods prices, particularly food items, also remains stable. The average prices of selected food items monitored between May 11 and 17, 2026, generally moved within a range of minus 3.8% to 4.7% compared with the previous week.
“This development shows that government monitoring and intervention measures continue to play a role in maintaining supply stability and reducing cost-of-living pressures on the people,” he added.
Akmal Nasrullah said the government would continue targeted interventions to reduce cost-of-living pressures.
“This includes maintaining the Budi Madani Diesel (Budi Diesel) assistance of RM300 per month, as well as an additional interim assistance of RM100 for eligible recipients.
“For paddy farmers, the Ploughing Incentive for Padi Farmers (IPKP) of RM300 per hectare has begun disbursement today (May 19).
“These measures are important as fuel and agricultural operating costs can have a direct impact on the food supply chain,” he added.
