In the early hours of a Monday trading session, Malaysia's ringgit retreated against the US dollar as geopolitical tremors — stalled US-Iran negotiations and the specter of a Strait of Hormuz blockade — sent traders seeking the familiar shelter of the greenback. The movement was small in measure but large in meaning, reflecting a global mood turning inward toward caution. When the world's critical oil passages feel threatened, markets do not wait for certainty; they price in fear first.
The Star
· Apr 13, 2026
· economy
· 2 min read
High
Sourcing: Verified
Ringgit weakens against dollar amid geopolitical tensions and safe-haven demand
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Economy & Finance
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Bias & Framing
⚖
Article presents factual currency data with expert analysis, though framing emphasizes geopolitical risks and safe-haven demand without exploring alternative economic factors affecting ringgit performance.
Bias Direction
center
Confidence
MED
Risk-focused narrative: The article frames ringgit weakness primarily through geopolitical tensions and safe-haven demand, using expert commentary to emphasize uncertainty and 'risk-off mode' sentiment. This creates a cautionary tone around currency performance.
heightened geopolitical tensions
stalled negotiations
escalating geopolitical risks
risk aversion among traders
risk-off mode
external uncertainties
Perspectives from Malaysian exporters or businesses affected by ringgit weakness
Analysis of domestic economic factors influencing the ringgit
Counter-arguments or alternative explanations for currency movement
Views from currency traders or market participants on non-geopolitical factors
Historical context comparing current ringgit performance to similar periods
Geopolitical Impact
🌎
US-Iran tensions and potential Strait of Hormuz blockade trigger safe-haven demand for USD, weakening Malaysian ringgit and signaling broader emerging market currency vulnerability.
Escalation Risk
high
Confidence
HIGH
Malaysia
Iran
United States
Gulf States
Southeast Asia
Emerging Markets
US reasserts economic coercion capability through energy chokepoint control, strengthening dollar dominance and forcing emerging market currencies into defensive positions. Iran's economic isolation deepens. Regional powers (Saudi Arabia, UAE) face supply chain uncertainty. Emerging markets experience capital flight to safe-haven assets.
Similar to 1980s Iran-Iraq War oil embargoes and 2019 Strait of Hormuz tensions, which triggered commodity spikes and emerging market currency crises. Blockade threats historically precede military escalation.
Economic Lens
📈
Malaysia's ringgit weakens against the US dollar due to geopolitical tensions and safe-haven demand, with potential depreciation toward RM4.00 as risk aversion increases.
Market Signal
bearish
Confidence
HIGH
Foreign exchange markets
Energy sector (oil and gas)
Import/export trade
Tourism and hospitality
Manufacturing and supply chains
Financial services
Malaysian consumers face higher costs for imported goods and services, increased expenses for overseas travel, and potential inflation pressures. Domestic borrowers with foreign currency debts will experience increased repayment burdens.
Bank Negara Malaysia may need to monitor currency volatility and consider intervention if depreciation accelerates. Policymakers may implement measures to stabilize the ringgit, review import tariffs, or adjust monetary policy. Trade negotiations and hedging strategies may become priority areas.