KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 8): The FBM KLCI dipped at the open today in line with the weaker start at regional markets following the rout in crude oil prices.

At 9am, the FBMKLCI fell 2.33 points to 1,669.67.

The top losers included Petronas Gas Bhd, Genting Plantations Bhd, Public Bank Bhd, Globetronics Technology Bhd, Bursa Malaysia Bhd, Pos Malaysia Bhd, Top Glove Corporation Bhd and Johore Tin Bhd.

Asian stock markets teetered near their weakest levels in three weeks on Tuesday, as a rout in oil prices to near seven-year lows knocked global energy company shares and commodity currencies, according to Reuters.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.4 percent, erasing all the gains made so far this month, with resource-heavy Australian shares leading decline with a fall of 0.9 percent, it said.

JFApex Securities Research in a market preview today said US markets ended lower after energy stocks dropped as oil price plunged over 5% to a seven-year low.

Meanwhile, it said European equities were mixed amid decline in oil and gas counters.

“On the local market, the FBM KLCI rose 4.13 points to 1672 points.

“We expect the FBM KLCI to be negative today with local sentiment being affected by lower oil price. Immediate support is seen at 1645 points,” it said.