Economic fundamentals still strong, says Ahmad Maslan

Deputy Finance Minister, Datuk Ahmad Maslan, said the country's expected exports for 2014 were RM762.8 billion and imports RM677.2 billion, which would record a trade surplus of RM85.6 billion.

"During this period of excessive volatility, Bank Negara Malaysia will always monitor the foreign exchange market for the ringgit.

"This will encourage and facilitate stability in exchange rate and encourage trade and investment," he said in a statement, Thursday.

Ahmad Maslan said government's revenue from petroleum source including that of Petronas did not suffer much this year as average oil prices calculated for 2014 was based on US$110 per barrel.

"The average price for this year would be aroun US$104 per barrel, taking in account falling oil prices in November and December now," he said.

With the shrinking ringgit, Ahmad Maslan said as prices of imported goods would rise, the public would turn to local products thus further expanding the local manufacturing sector.

"Our exports to foreign countries will be much cheaper and further expand our export sector.

"This will increase company profit, salary increase, bonuses, increased in manpower, increased tax for the government and number of factories will also increase," he said.

The tourism sector will expand as hotel services, transportation and prices of goods will be cheaper from the perspective of countries whose currencies are higher compared with the ringgit.

The services that are given to foreigners will also expand as their costs would be lower in tandem with the percentage fall in the currency.

Ahmad Maslan said in tackling the ringgit depreciation, agencies such as the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) and Felcra must immediately find new markets for palm oil.

Petronas also needs to look for new oil and gas sources as well as undertake joint ventures in other countries.