MALAYSIA’S international reserves amounted to US$112.46 billion (RM527.44 billion) at the end of August 2023, while other foreign currency assets stood at US$1.7 million, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) said. 

The central bank said in accordance with the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) format, the detailed breakdown of international reserves provides forward-looking information on the size, composition and usability of reserves and other foreign currency assets. 

It also provides guidance on the federal government and BNM’s expected and potential future inflows and outflows of foreign exchange, it said in a statement today. 

“Over the next 12 months, the pre-determined short-term outflows of foreign currency loans, securities and deposits, which include, among others, scheduled repayment of external borrowings by the government and the maturity of foreign currency Bank Negara interbank bills, will amount to US$17.56 billion. 

“The net short forward positions amounted to US$22.89 billion at end-Aug 2023, which reflected the management of ringgit liquidity in the money market,” it said. 

BNM said in line with the practice adopted since April 2006, the data excludes projected foreign currency inflows which arise from interest income and the drawdown of project loans.

The projected foreign currency inflows will amount to US$2.23 billion over the next 12 months, it said, adding that government guarantees of foreign currency debt due within one year amounting to US$369.5 million is the only contingent short-term net drain on foreign currency assets.

“There are no foreign currency loans with embedded options and no undrawn, unconditional credit lines provided by or to other central banks, international organisations, banks and other financial institutions. 

“BNM also does not engage in foreign currency options vis-a-vis the ringgit,” it said. – Bernama, September 29, 2023.