KUALA LUMPUR: The government has no intention of pegging the ringgit and imposing foreign exchange (forex) controls as the country did during the Asian financial crisis in 1998, since it is not the right solution for dealing with current challenges, said Deputy Finance Minister II Steven Sim Chee Keong.
He said the national economy and financial system were now on a stronger footing to face global financial market volatility and forex movements.
"Secondly, (if it imposed a ringgit peg,) Malaysia would lose its monetary policy freedom and need to follow the interest rates based on the ringgit-pegged currencies.
"For example, if the ringgit is pegged to the US dollar, we would have to raise interest rates in line with those in the United States, and this will exert pressure towards higher financing costs for the people," he said in response to a query from Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang) in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Wan Ahmad Fayhsal wanted to know whether the government, through Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), planned to peg the ringgit's value as implemented previously due to the ringgit's low level against the greenback at present.
Sim said that maintaining a peg would require large international reserves.
"Otherwise, we would have to reintroduce capital control measures to prevent and overcome speculative pressures on the ringgit.
"If capital control measures were introduced today, the negative impact on investor confidence would be very dear and could affect capital flows, as Malaysia has a much larger capital market now compared with 1998," he said.
Therefore, as a central bank responsible for financial and currency market stability, BNM will ensure orderly ringgit adjustments to prevent volatility in terms of sharp ringgit/US dollar movements, he added.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Nov 01 2023
Deputy Finance Minister II Steven Sim Chee Keong said the national economy and financial system were now on a stronger footing to face global financial market volatility and forex movements. - bnm.gov.my
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.