Malaysia's inflation eases to 1.8pct in September as housing, food costs moderate

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's inflation eased to 1.8 per cent in September from 1.9 per cent in August, driven by slower price increases in housing-related costs, food and beverages, personal care and communication services.

The consumer price index (CPI) rose to 137.6 points from 135.2 points a year earlier, according to the Statistics Department.

Inflation in the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels group moderated to 1.4 per cent from 2.1 per cent in August.

This was mainly due to slower price increases in electricity, gas and other fuels, where inflation eased sharply to 0.1 per cent from 3.3 per cent.