KUALA LUMPUR (June 24): Malaysia's inflation, as measured by the consumer price index (CPI), declined 2.9% in May 2020 from a year earlier, led by the drop in the transport component on lower fuel prices.

Statistics Department chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said in a statement today the transport component fell 20.8%.

"The decrease in the overall index was driven by the decline in transport (-20.8%), housing, water, electricity, gas & other fuels (-2.6%), clothing & footwear (-1.1%) and furnishings, household equipment & routine household maintenance (-0.2%) which contributed to 45.7% of overall weight.

"CPI without fuel was at a positive rate of 0.1% in May 2020 compared with 0.2% for April 2020. CPI without fuel covers all goods and services except unleaded petrol RON95, unleaded petrol RON97 and diesel," Mohd Uzir said.

On a monthly basis, the department's statement said May 2020 CPI increased 0.3% compared with April 2020.

Between January and May 2020, the CPI decreased 0.7% from a year earlier, according to the department.

CPI dropped for the third consecutive month in May 2020 after March 2020's 0.2% decline. April 2020 CPI declined 2.9% year-on-year -- the sharpest fall recorded since 2010.