Strong Domestic Fundamentals, Reform Measures To Support Ringgit In 2026 -- BNM Governor

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- The ringgit is expected to remain positive in 2026, driven by strong domestic fundamentals and ongoing reform measures, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour.

He said the local currency will remain market-determined, reflecting global developments, as BNM stays committed to ensuring orderly market conditions.

“In terms of domestic factors, we have a strong current account surplus (which) supports the ringgit and will continue (driving the local note) into this year as well.

“The commitment towards reform measures will also lend a more enduring support for the ringgit,” he told reporters after the release of BNM’s flagship report, here today.

Abdul Rasheed said the current West Asia conflict will inevitably have some impact on the ringgit’s movements, but these are largely sentiment-driven.

He said that, more importantly, the local note's underlying strength has been built over time.

“Over time, investors will look at this year, though all these underlying developments will be ongoing. And we have seen healthy inflows of capital back into the economy, especially into the financial market,” he said.

Meanwhile, deputy governor Adnan Zaylani Mohamad Zahid said the ringgit’s trajectory remains resilient, supported by strong fundamentals that have been built over the past two years to three years and continue to strengthen.

“We can see that in the robustness of the foreign exchange market itself, volume remains very high, showing that the market is highly liquid, while businesses and corporates are able to transact without any issues with respect to liquidity.

“We are also very committed to continuing the engagements and initiatives, (including) repatriating income and getting the corporates to convert (earnings), encouraging more use of the ringgit as an operating currency for many of the multinational companies,” he said.

-- BERNAMA