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release1 September 1998 Measures to Regain Monetary Independence Since the outbreak of the Asian financial crisis more than a year ago, the risk of further waves of instability of increasing proportions still very much remain on the horizon. Despite the measures and reforms that have been put in place by all the affected countries, there does not appear to be any sign of stability returning to the financial markets. On the contrary, the crisis has deepened and spread across other continents. In particular, significant risks remain in the region. A dramatic adjustment in any of the financial centres in the region can be expected to result in significant contagion effects, not only in the region but also in other global financial markets. The effects of these developments have been increasingly severe. The adverse developments in the foreign exchange markets, the equity markets and the depressing trends beginning to emerge from the external sector all reinforce each other to cause a severe contraction in real output of the economies in the region. Given the global nature of the problems confronting the international financial markets, efforts to restore world financial stability require a concerted effort of the international community. Unfortunately, action on the part of the international community to deal effectively with the risks and challenges associated with the new environment of liberalised and globalised financial markets has not been forthcoming. The current escalation in the contagion effects has not provided the sense of urgency to the world financial leaders to act decisively to contain the global financial crisis. While arguments have been put forward for emerging economies to undertake economic and financial reforms, of greater urgency is the need to reform the international financial system to better cope with the changed international financial environment that we operate in. Unless this is recognised by the international community, there will not be a permanent solution to the current crisis. Efforts to deal with the current situation on the part of one country alone will not be sufficient to achieve this objective on a permanent basis. In the recent period, we have seen efforts by Hong Kong, Taiwan and Russia each coping by different means to stabilise their financial markets. On the domestic front, Malaysia has persevered to undertake adjustment policies and implement financial reforms to reduce the risks and vulnerabilities to external developments. This relates to achieving macroeconomic stability while at the same time increasing the resilience of the financial system. To a significant extent this has been achieved. Despite the magnitude of the adjustments we have experienced in our financial market, a significant segment of our economy continues to function with a relatively high rate of employment. Similarly, in our financial system, while strains are being felt, the intermediation function continues to operate. Malaysia will therefore continue with its efforts to strengthen its fundamentals and build the foundations for future growth. However, given the build up of risks that have now emerged in the regional and global financial markets, the Government of Malaysia has decided effective today, 1 September, 1998, to implement a series of measures to insulate the Malaysian economy from the risks and vulnerabilities of such external developments. The over-riding objective of the new measures is to regain monetary independence and insulate the Malaysian economy from the prospects of further deterioration in the world economic and financial environment. In the process, the nation would be adequately prepared to minimise the impact of a possible global economic crisis and a breakdown in the international financial system. The experience of other countries have shown that those which instituted measures to insulate themselves from external developments were in a better position to meet the challenges of adverse global developments. The new measures are based on the following considerations:
These measures will be removed should normalisation in the global financial environment take place. To effect a stable exchange rate regime and insulate the domestic economy from adverse global developments, selected new exchange controls are being introduced. These changes, however, will not affect the business operations of traders and investors nor the normal conduct of economic activity and will continue to guarantee the following:
The changes are directed at containing speculation on the ringgit and at minimising the impact of short-term capital inflows on the domestic economy. The measures on regulation of currency being carried by travellers are no different from those being applied by several other countries, including developed countries. The main changes in the exchange control rules are as follows:
Conclusion These measures represent a means to an end. Malaysia has previously applied administrative controls to achieve specific objectives. The track record shows that once these objectives were achieved, the administrative controls were withdrawn. This was the case in early 1994, when Malaysia experienced massive and destabilising capital inflows. Malaysia is committed to the market mechanism and the trend towards liberalisation. But the benefits of the market can only be realised in an environment of stable and efficient global financial markets. Hence, once there is a discernable normalisation of the currency and financial markets, Malaysia will return to the previous arrangements of free capital flows. As we are embarking into uncharted territory, the measures announced today will be implemented flexibly to deal promptly with any problem that might emerge. A task force has been set up to attend to these issues. A communication centre has also been established up to deal with public queries (the contact telephone numbers are: 293-2330, 292-8736, 294-3991, 291-5741, 291-4827). In conclusion, it is important for the people of Malaysia in general and for the financial sector in particular, to fully understand and support these efforts aimed at insulating and reviving our national economy.
Bank Negara Malaysia
Details on Changes In ECM Notices |
Existing |
New |
ECM 2 : Dealings in gold and foreign currency.
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ECM 2: Dealings in gold and foreign currency.
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ECM 3.
External Accounts
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ECM 3:
External Accounts
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ECM 4:
General Payments
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ECM 4:
General Payments
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ECM 5:
Export of goods
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ECM 5:
Export of goods
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ECM 6: Credit facilities to non-residents
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ECM 6:
Credit facilities to non-residents
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ECM 9:
Investments abroad
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ECM 9:
Investments abroad
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ECM 10: Foreign currency credit facilities and ringgit credit facilities from non-residents
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ECM 10: Foreign currency credit facilities and ringgit credit facilities from non-residents
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ECM 12:
Securities
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ECM 12.
Securities
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ECM 13: Import and export of currency notes, bills of exchange, assurance policies, etc.
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ECM 13:
Import and export of currency notes, bills of exchange, assurance policies, etc.
Transitional provision
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ECM 15: Labuan International Offshore Financial Centre
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ECM 15: Labuan International Offshore Financial Centre
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Bank Negara Malaysia
1 September 1998
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