Domestically-oriented and import-intensive industries like the consumer, automotive, aviation, construction and healthcare sectors stand to benefit the most from a stronger ringgit as it lowers the cost of imported goods, raw materials and intermediate inputs, helping to ease cost pressures and potentially support margins or consumption volumes. “For the automotive sector, a stronger ringgit lowers costs as manufacturers import a significant amount of components and, in some cases, fully built vehicles from overseas. Neoh said, to a lesser extent, the healthcare sector is also poised to gain from a firmer ringgit, though the impact may be mixed. Hospital operators could also be affected as a stronger ringgit might make it less attractive for foreign patients to seek treatment in Malaysia”, he said. “Many construction companies rely on imported raw materials, hence a stronger ringgit helps reduce material costs, which in turn supports margins for the sector,” he said.

Source: The Star December 24, 2025 10:05 UTC