Headline inflation came down after hitting an eight-year high of 5.1% in March 2017, but did not drop below 3% throughout the year. The December rate was 3.5%.
The last time the annual inflation rate was under 3% was in December 2016, when it was 1.7%.
Bank Negara raised its key interest rate for the first time in three and a half years in January.
Inflation data for January was originally scheduled to be released on Feb 21. The Statistics Department has not given a reason for the delay.