KUALA LUMPUR – The ringgit’s surge to its strongest level in more than seven years drew praise from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who responded with a simple ‘Alhamdulillah’ when asked about the currency’s performance.
Speaking to reporters after launching the 120th Anniversary Celebration of the National Audit Department here, Anwar noted the ringgit opened at 3.9850/9950 against the US dollar at 8 am Monday, strengthening from last Friday’s close of 4.0045/0080.
The last time the currency traded at a similar level was on May 24, 2018, when it touched 3.9797 against the greenback.
The ringgit’s rise followed improved risk appetite after Bank Negara Malaysia maintained the overnight policy rate last week, coupled with a weaker US dollar index.
On Saturday, Anwar said the ringgit’s strong showing—among the best-performing currencies in Asia—reflected the effectiveness of sound governance, political stability and growing investor confidence in Malaysia’s economic direction.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, further attributed the appreciation to the government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard national stability, ensure efficient administration and take firm action against corruption and misappropriation.
Also present at the event were Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Auditor-General Datuk Seri Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi. – January 26, 2026