At 8am, the local unit rose to 3.9495/9605 against the greenback from yesterday’s close of 3.9515/9580. — Picture by Raymond Manuel Stay updated on the latest news and insights. Subscribe to our newsletter here (New users only) It's tax relief season! Get up to RM300 when you save with Versa! Plus, enjoy an additional FREE RM10 when you sign up using code VERSAMM10 with a min. cash-in of RM100 today. T&Cs apply. Monday, 18 May 2026 9:26 AM MYT KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 — The ringgit opened slightly higher against the US dollar on Monday although cautious sentiment persisted amid escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia.At 8am, the local unit rose to 3.9495/9605 against the greenback from yesterday’s close of 3.9515/9580.Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said market sentiment remained cautious as the prolonged stalemate between the US and Iran continued to raise concerns over a wider conflict in the region. — Bernama