Kuala Lumpur:The ringgit saw an increase against the US dollar and other major currencies on Monday, buoyed by positive market sentiment after last week's Budget 2027 announcement.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ringgit appreciated to 4.0820/0865 against the US dollar by 6 pm, improving from Friday's close of 4.0830/0875. Dr Mohd Afzanizam, chief economist at Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd, noted that the budget underscored the government's dedication to fiscal responsibility, which has been welcomed by investors.

Despite increased external risks, including high Brent crude oil prices and potential escalation of conflict in West Asia following a weekend attack at a Saudi airport in Riyadh, the ringgit remained positive against the greenback.

The local currency also gained against several other major currencies, closing higher against the Japanese yen at 2.5739/5769, the British pound at 5.4017/4077, and the euro at 4.5637/5687. Additionally, the ringgit rose against the Indonesian rupiah to 227.9/228.2, remained stable against the Philippine peso at 6.50/6.51, edged up against the Singapore dollar to 3.1873/1911, but fell slightly against the Thai baht to 12.1391/1568.