M'sian consumer confidence at lowest ebb since 2009: poll

CONSUMER confidence in Malaysia has plummeted to its lowest level since the 2009 global financial crisis, a new survey has revealed.

From its survey of 1,022 households in Peninsular Malaysia, the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER), an independent think-tank, pegged its Consumer Sentiment Index at just 82.4 points for the fourth quarter of last year, well below the 100-point mark for the first time since 2009.

The index had started the year at a high of 122.9 points in the first quarter, but went downhill from there through the year.