In a statement today, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) said other foreign currency assets amounted to US$1.17 billion as at end-September.

“For the next 12 months, the predetermined short-term outflow of foreign currency loans, securities and deposits, which include scheduled repayment of external borrowings by the government and the maturity of foreign currency Bank Negara Interbank Bills, amount to US$8.91 billion,” it said.

The central bank said the short forward positions amounted to US$7.21 billion, while long forward positions amounted to US$1.14 billion as at end-September, reflecting the management of ringgit liquidity in the money market.

“In line with the practice adopted since April 2006, the data excludes projected foreign currency inflows arising from interest income and the drawdown of project loans,” it said.

According to BNM, the projected foreign currency inflows amount to US$2.45 billion in the next 12 months, and the only contingent short-term net drain on foreign currency assets are government guarantees of foreign currency debt due within one year, amounting to US$277.1 million.

“There are no foreign currency loans with embedded options, 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 added.