The wait is over. Google has finally brought back the ability to convert the ringgit (RM), Malaysia’s local currency, into other currencies via its search engine. The widget seemingly returned sometime yesterday without much fanfare, and it’s speculated that its reappearance may be linked to Google’s recent switch to a global domain instead of using a regional one.
To recap, Google removed its currency converter widget for Malaysian users back in March 2025. This came after an inaccurate exchange rate between the US dollar (US$) and the ringgit, which led to Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) issuing a reprimand to the tech giant. Later In August of the same year, comms minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil assured that the widget will eventually return to the search engine, but did not specify when that may happen.
Since then, local users have had to rely on alternative tools to convert RM to other currencies. In fact, Google itself would recommend these alternatives – such as Xe, Revolut, and Wise – whenever users searched for RM conversions through its engine.
With the feature’s return, Malaysians can once again use Google’s built-in currency converter by simply entering “currency converter” or “RM to [other currency]” in the search bar. Clicking the “More about” button will also take users to the Google Finance search page for further details. Interestingly, entering the keywords in reverse order (i.e. “[other currency] to RM”) places the currency converter at the top of the results – whereas doing it the other way around places it second.
With no official announcement from Google, it’s still unclear whether the company has resolved matters with BNM or simply fixed the RM/USD conversion issue that plagued the widget for over a year. Either way, Malaysians will no doubt be glad to see the return of the currency converter on Search after such a long absence.
