KUALA LUMPUR: Internet users are now required to take additional steps if they wish to check the currency value of the Malaysian ringgit against other foreign currencies using Google's currency conversion widget.

Checks by the New Straits Times today showed the widget will not appear automatically when searches are made through Google for currency conversions involving ringgit, unlike other currencies.

For example, a search for '50 USD to MYR' will not prompt the widget to appear. Such a search will only result in a list of other third-party currency converter websites.

A search for '50 USD to SGD' or other currencies, however, immediately brings the widget to appear with the converted figure on top of the page.

Those who still prefer using Google's currency conversion widget for ringgit-related searches can still do so but it will require them to make extra steps.

This can be done by searching for the conversion rate for other currencies. After the widget showed the converted figure, they can proceed by choosing the ringgit currency from the drop-down menu.

It is believed that such a situation occurred following the currency conversion kerfuffle last week.

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) on March 16 refuted inaccurate ringgit exchange data from Google which indicated that the ringgit has hit RM4.98 to the US dollar.

Four days later, Google Malaysia issued an apology for the error.

In a statement posted on X, Google Malaysia had said that it had contacted the third party that provides USD-MYR exchange rate information to correct the error.

"The issue has now been resolved and we apologise for any confusion caused," said Google Malaysia.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/1029159/additional-steps-needed-check-malaysian-currency-value-google