RINGGIT ENDS THE YEAR HIGHER AGAINST US DOLLAR

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 (Bernama) -- The ringgit (Malaysian currency) closed
higher against the US dollar as the greenback lost its attraction in regional
and global markets,dealers said.

At 5pm, the local currency strengthened against the greenback to 3.4650/4700
compared with Tuesday's closing of 3.4750/4800.

Dealers said the US dollar was under pressure due to the tension in the
Middle East. The development could disrupt oil supply and further blow the
U.S. economy.

"The ringgit benefited from the reaction towards the dollar today," a dealer
said.

The market will be closed tomorrow for the New Year holiday.

The ringgit was mostly higher against other currencies at the final day
of trading for this year.

It however was weaker against the Singapore dollar at 2.4111/4166 from
2.4038/4108 at Tuesday's closing. It appreciated against the yen to
3.8347/8410 from 3.8508/8585 previously.

It was also stronger against the British pound at 5.0080/0162 from
5.0429/0516 Tuesday and against the euro at 4.8811/8892 from 4.9147/9228
previously.
-- BERNAMA