KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 20): The consumer price index (CPI) for Oct increased 2.5% year-on-year (y-o-y) on costlier liquor, tobacco and food, according to the Statistics Department.

The department said in a statement today the CPI had also risen on more expensive healthcare besides restaurant and hotel services. 

Liquor and tobacco prices collectively rose 13.3%. The food and non-alcoholic beverage, healthcare, besides restaurant and hotel segments added 4.7% each.

"In addition, the overall index is also influenced by the increase in communication (+3.3%); housing, water, electricity, gas & other fuels group by 2.7% and education (+2.5%)," the department said.

A decrease was, however, seen in the transport segment, where prices fell 5.7%.

On a monthly basis, Oct CPI rose 0.4% from the preceding month. CPI for the ten-month period registered a 2% increase.

Oct CPI's 2.5% y-o-y growth compared with Sept's 2.6% rise.