KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — The ringgit opened higher against major currencies but eased against the US dollar this morning as cautious global sentiment continued to weigh on emerging market currencies.

At 8 am, the local currency softened to 3.9300/9400 against the greenback from yesterday's close of 3.9145/9205.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the ringgit was pressured by heightened global uncertainties, particularly geopolitical tensions and the outlook for US monetary policy.