Kuala lumpur: The ringgit opened stronger against the US dollar on Thursday, supported by Malaysia's economic prospects and a weaker greenback. At 8 am, the local currency improved to 3.8850/8960 against the dollar, compared to Wednesday's close at 3.8900/8955. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid stated that the government is currently reviewing this year's gross domestic product growth forecast, which is projected at 4.0 to 4.5 percent. He suggested that, based on last year's performance, an upward revision is likely, indicating a positive economic outlook. Dr. Mohd Afzanizam also mentioned that the monetary policy is expected to remain supportive, with the central bank anticipated to keep interest rates steady. Meanwhile, the US dollar index decreased by 0.17 percent to 97.675, indicating continued weakness. He further noted that the dollar-ringgit pair was near its immediate support level of RM3.8722 on Wednesday before trading arou nd RM3.8855 later in the day. The ringgit is expected to stay well-supported in the near term, given the softer US dollar and Malaysia's favorable economic prospects. However, the ringgit traded lower against a range of major currencies at the open. It weakened against the Japanese yen to 2.4878/4950 from 2.4848/4885 at Wednesday's close, declined against the British pound to 5.2669/2818 from 5.2585/2659, and fell against the euro to 4.5901/6031 from 4.5855/5920. The ringgit displayed mixed performance against its ASEAN counterparts. It appreciated against the Thai baht to 12.4988/5418 from 12.5121/5374, strengthened against the Indonesian rupiah to 231.2/232.0 from 231.5/231.9, and edged up against the Philippine peso to 6.75/6.78 from 6.76/6.78. However, it weakened against the Singapore dollar to 3.0760/0850 from 3.0736/0782.