Bank Negara takes USD deposits as ringgit sinks

Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIA'S central bank started taking in interbank dollar deposits for the first time in September to try and slow a slide in the ringgit, Asia's worst-performing currency.

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is accepting deposits in small amounts, according to a person familiar with the situation, who asked not to be identified because of company policy. The move will help build up the country's currency reserves, two other people said.