• January inflation fell 0.2% yoy but increase 1.2% mom
   
• Core inflation stagnated at 0.7% yoy in January

• Global inflation is on the rise

• Higher prices are expected in 2021

Malaysia’s CPI declined at a slower pace of -0.2% yoy in January compared to -1.4% yoy in the previous month. This was the eleventh straight month of deflation but the softest pace since March 2020, amid ongoing COVID-19 disruption. The lower CPI declined reflects increase in the transport component mainly due to higher fuel prices. Meanwhile, housing, utilities and other fuels prices fell by a marginal -0.7% yoy versus -3.3% yoy in the previous month after the government re-introduced lower electricity bill discounts and rebates to support households and businesses through the pandemic. However, on a monthly basis, consumer prices were up 1.2% in January, the highest since February 2017, after a 0.5% mom rise in December. Non-food price index decreased for the eleventh consecutive month by -1.1% yoy (Dec: -3.2%), while food price index increased by +1.5% yoy (Dec: +1.4%). CPI without fuel, which covers all goods and services except RON95, RON97 and Diesel, increased 0.5% in January (Dec: -0.1%; Nov: -0.1%). Meanwhile, increased in durable goods price was slightly slower at 1.9% yoy (Dec: +2.3%), while prices of semi- and non durable goods declined at slower pace of -0.2% yoy and -2.0% yoy respectively (Nov: -0.3% and -5.0%).

Source: BIMB Securities Research - 25 Feb 2021