Category: Business

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened flat against the US dollar on Wednesday, amid cautious market sentiments ahead of the United States (US) Federal Reserve (Fed) chair, Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole speech this Friday. At 8 am, the local note stood at 4.2215/2420 from yesterday’s close of 4.2215/2255. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd… Continue reading Ringgit opens flat against US dollar on cautious sentiment

NEW YORK: European stock markets experienced gains while Wall Street saw mostly declines as investors monitored potential progress in negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Market participants are also anticipating a crucial speech by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell later this week for indications about future interest rate adjustments. Hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough increased… Continue reading Markets watch Ukraine talks and US Fed rates decision

PETALING JAYA: The government is strategising to integrate Transit-Oriented Development into future public housing to improve access for urban communities to job opportunities and education, and also help to ease traffic congestion in city centres. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said Malaysia is also expanding the adoption of Industrialised Building System and… Continue reading Govt looking at way to integrate TOD into future public housing projects in sustainable urban development

PETALING JAYA: The government will conduct a feasibility study on nuclear energy, including small modular reactors (SMR), to assess its potential as a stable base-load power source for regions where renewable deployment faces unique challenges. Depuyy Prime Minister and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said this study will evaluate waste… Continue reading Feasilibity study on nuclear energy to include small modular reactors

KUALA LUMPUR: The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (Petra) will introduce a digital platform called Pipeline Accountability Portal to provide the public with real-time data on pipeline disruptions, leakage rates and repair timelines, said Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Fadillah who is also deputy prime minister said the initiative reflects the government’s shift from… Continue reading Ministry to roll out ‘pipeline’ to provide real-time info on water supply issues

KUALA LUMPUR: Ninja Van Malaysia has launched 44 new international delivery lanes, extending its cross-border reach to 46 destinations worldwide in a move aimed at helping Malaysian businesses scale into global markets at significantly lower costs. The new routes span Asia-Pacific, North America, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe, adding to existing services to… Continue reading Ninja Van Malaysia launches 44 new international delivery lanes, extends cross-border reach

PETALING JAYA: Despite all the hype about OpenAI’s new ChatGPT-5 model, some Malaysian business leaders say companies should instead “go local” for artificial intelligence (AI). Doing so can create jobs, protect Malaysian consumer data, make artificial intelligence more Malaysian and boost companies’ bottom line, according to insights released today by Juwai IQI. Juwai IQI Group… Continue reading Forget ChatGPT-5, Malaysian companies say it’s better to ‘go local’ in using AI: Juwai IQI

BENGALURU: ChatGPT maker OpenAI on Tuesday launched ChatGPT Go, a new India-only subscription plan priced at 399 rupees (US$4.57; RM19.28) per month, its most affordable offering yet, as the company looks to deepen its presence in its second-largest market. Global companies often offer cheaper subscription plans for India’s price-sensitive market, targeting the nearly one billion… Continue reading OpenAI launches cheapest ChatGPT plan in India

TOKYO: Intel is getting a US$2 billion (RM8.4 billion) capital injection from SoftBank Group in a major vote of confidence for the troubled US chipmaker that is in the middle of a turnaround effort. The equity investment, announced by the two companies on Monday, is a lifeline for the once-iconic US chipmaker which has struggled… Continue reading Intel gets US$2b shot in the arm from SoftBank

KUALA LUMPUR: India’s palm oil imports from Malaysia surged 16% in July 2025 to 301,000 tonnes, the highest in nine months, even as Malaysia’s palm oil inventories climbed to a 19-month high of 2.11 million tonnes on slower pace of exports, said Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC). In a statement yesterday, it said demand from… Continue reading India’s purchases of Malaysian palm oil surge in July

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s trade performance recorded a positive growth in July 2025 with a total trade exhibiting an increase of 3.8% from RM256.2 billion in the previous year to RM265.9 billion. This performance primarily driven by a marginal growth in imports by 0.6%, reaching RM125.5 billion and exports by 6.8%, valued at RM140.4 billion in July… Continue reading July trade rises to RM265.9b, surplus widens

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s trade performance rebounded in July 2025, growing 3.8 per cent year-on-year to RM265.92 billion, the highest monthly value on record. The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) reported exports rose 6.8 per cent to RM140.45 billion, the strongest since September 2022. Imports saw a modest 0.6 per cent increase to RM125.47… Continue reading Malaysia’s trade rebounds 3.8 pct to RM265.92b in July 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Chin Hin Group Bhd signed a strategic customer cooperation agreement on August 13, 2025, with Kingdee International Software Group Company Ltd, a leading provider of digital management solutions listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and headquartered in Shenzhen, China. This partnership marks a pivotal leap in Chin Hin… Continue reading Chin Hin teams up with Kingdee for digital and AI expansion

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit rebounded to open slightly higher against the US dollar and major currencies, despite the US dollar’s uptrend amidst the United States (US)-Ukraine talk, said an analyst. At 8 am, the local note inched up to 4.2190/2320 from Monday’s close of 4.2200/2240. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul… Continue reading Ringgit rebounds to open slightly higher vs US dollar

KUALA LUMPUR: The Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) is intensifying its efforts to shape future policies and legislation that address the growing challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) in the intellectual property landscape. MyIPO said its priority, as the custodian of intellectual property rights in Malaysia, is to strike a balance between protecting the… Continue reading MyIPO pushes for stronger IP legal framework amid AI challenges

KUALA LUMPUR: The accountancy profession is central to Malaysia’s economic resilience and future growth, particularly in embedding sustainability into business models, said Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying. She said accountants are no longer “mere number keepers” but “guardians of integrity”, upholding trust and transparency across both public and private sectors. “With sustainability now a… Continue reading Accountancy profession central to Malaysia’s economic resilience and future growth: Lim

PETALING JAYA: CelcomDigi Bhd registered revenue growth of 2.3% year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM3.18 billion in its second quarter of financial year 2025 (Q2’25). Earnings before interest and tax grew 12.3 % y-o-y to RM736 million, while profit after tax improved 5.5% y-o-y to RM439 million, supported by disciplined capital and operating expenditure management and the… Continue reading CelcomDigi posts improved Q2 results declares 3.8 sen dividend

KUALA LUMPUR: U Mobile Sdn Bhd will roll out in-building 5G coverage to 175 buildings within a year and over 600 nationwide within four years, said chief technology officer Woon Ooi Yuen. He said the telco has already equipped more than 70 buildings with its 5G infrastructure with Berjaya Times Square becoming the first shopping… Continue reading U Mobile aims to provide 5G coverage in 175 buildings within a year

PETALING JAYA: Integrated engineering solutions provider Oxford Innotech Bhd (OXB) is poised to capitalise on the rising adoption of automation in manufacturing as businesses increasingly seek solutions that enhance efficiency, ensure consistent quality and reinforce operational resilience in a competitive global market. OXB, which made its debut on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities… Continue reading Oxford Innotech to ride on rising use of automation, robotics in manufacturing

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia X (AAX) has once again clinched the Best International Airline of the Year title at the Australian Aviation Awards 2025, marking its second consecutive win and reaffirming its strong and growing presence in the Australian market. The honour, presented at a gala ceremony in Sydney last Friday, recognises AAX’s continued excellence in… Continue reading AirAsia X again named Best International Airline of the Year at Australian Aviation Awards

TOKYO: Asian stocks climbed higher on Monday as oil prices declined ahead of crucial talks between former US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, and European officials in Washington. Trump’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska ended without progress on a Ukraine ceasefire, leaving markets cautious. Zelensky described a US proposal… Continue reading Asian stocks rise as oil falls before Trump-Zelensky talks

MALAYSIA’S income tax law is comprehensive and is designed to catch all income with very few exceptions. You do not need to be in business to be taxed. Even ordinary individuals receiving casual, miscellaneous, isolated receipts could be caught within the income tax net. Escaping from tax is only available for genuine gifts, receipts of… Continue reading Tax Matters – Casual and miscellaneous receipts can be taxed

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened slightly firmer against the US dollar on Monday as market sentiment leaned towards a potential US interest rate cut. At 8 am, the local currency traded at 4.2050/2260, up from Friday’s close of 4.2085/2155. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid noted growing expectations for a… Continue reading Ringgit opens firmer against US dollar amid rate cut expectations

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s creative industry micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) need consistent, targeted support to reach their full economic potential, said creative economy veteran Zainariah Johari. She said artisans and small creative businesses form the backbone of the sector, yet are often overlooked in favour of big players. “The most important thing is the… Continue reading Malaysian’s creative industry MSMEs need support to reach full economic potential: Expert

KUALA LUMPUR: Tetra Pak, a global leader in food processing and packaging solutions, has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in its operations by 2030 and across its entire value chain by 2050. This ambition is supported by key initiatives such as reducing fossil-based materials in packaging, improving energy efficiency across facilities,… Continue reading Tetra Pak walks the talk on net-zero

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is currently able to meet the influx of data centre cooling demand, said Malaysian Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Association (Macra) president Peter Tan. He said the country’s power grid infrastructure is highly developed and capable of supporting such growth. “Basically, when we have such an investment coming to our shores, yes, we are… Continue reading Macra says Malaysia able to meet data centre cooling demand

KUALA LUMPUR: Heineken Malaysia Bhd posted a dip in earnings for the second quarter and first half of financial year 2025 (FY25) as softer consumer sentiment and cost pressures weighed on its performance. For the quarter ended June 30, 2025 (Q2’25), revenue fell 5% to RM540 million compared with RM565 million in the same quarter… Continue reading Heineken Malaysia posts softer results. declares 40 sen dividend

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian consumers are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) in their shopping habits at a rate far higher than the global average, positioning the country as one of the fastest-growing AI-driven retail markets in the world, according to the Adyen Retail Report 2025. The study, released recently by global financial technology platform Adyen, revealed that… Continue reading Malaysians use AI in shopping at rate that outpaces global average: Adyen

JOHOR BAHRU: Sun Bus Tech Sdn Bhd aims to be among Malaysia’s top three bus manufacturers within five to 10 years and a leading player in the Asean electric vehicle (EV) bus market. Its chief executive officer, Shyan Phang, said the outlook for Malaysia’s EV bus sector remains strong, driven by government plans to procure… Continue reading Sun Bus aims to be leading player in Asean EV bus market

PETALING JAYA: Medical devices and solutions provider LAC Med Bhd has received approval from the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) to proceed with the initial public offering (IPO) and listing on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities. Founded in 2003, LAC Med has established itself over the past two decades as a solutions provider of… Continue reading LAC Med receives SC approval for IPO, Main Market listing

KUALA LUMPUR: Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz (pic) highlighted the significance of YCH Fusionaris Sdn Bhd’s RM500 million investment in Bandar Bukit Raja, Klang. He stated that this strategic move confirms the realisation of Malaysia’s investment potential. The investment originated from opportunities identified during a trade mission to Singapore.… Continue reading YCH Fusionaris RM500 mil investment boosts Malaysia’s logistics hub

PASIR SALAK: Felcra Bhd has announced a profit of RM178 million for the period up to April 2025, marking an increase from the previous year. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed that RM101 million will be distributed to 74,300 participants across the country in stages. “I commend Felcra Bhd for sustaining… Continue reading Felcra posts RM178mil profit, distributes RM101mil to participants

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is mapping out long-term expansion plans after bouncing back into profitability following the financial strain of the pandemic. SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif (pic) said the circuit is finalising a 10-year business strategy to maximise its 303-hectare landbank. “We only fully utilise about 50 per cent… Continue reading Sepang Circuit plans expansion after post-pandemic profit return

KUALA LUMPUR: The shift to digital platforms has played a crucial role in sustaining and expanding microfinance operations since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Grameen Bank founder Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus. Yunus, also the Chief Adviser to the Government of Bangladesh, explained that the move to digital was unplanned but necessary due to pandemic restrictions.… Continue reading Digital platforms boost microfinance post-COVID-19, says Yunus

KUALA LUMPUR: Corporate wellness programmes are rapidly becoming a strategic priority in Malaysian workplaces as employers confront rising non-communicable diseases (NCD), increasing medical insurance premiums, and growing employee expectations for comprehensive well-being. Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said more companies are now investing in structured wellness programmes that cover… Continue reading More employers in Malaysia investing in healthy workforce to ensure business sustainability

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) sees no further change in its forecast as the US tariff aligns with its assumptions, noting that the new 2025 gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast of 4% to 4.8% already factors in possible outcomes. BNM governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour said there is no need for the… Continue reading Malaysia’s Q2 GDP grows 4.4%, no need to tweak forecasts further: Bank Negara

KUALA LUMPUR: Ongoing investments in data centres are expected to boost Malaysia’s export capacity from the second half of 2025, despite a temporary increase in imports, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour. He explained that the spike in imports is mainly due to the building and upgrading of data centres.… Continue reading Data centre investments expected to boost Malaysia’s export capacity: BNM governor

KUALA LUMPUR: Genting Malaysia Bhd is undertaking a RM2.2 billion restructuring of its wholly owned US subsidiary, Empire Resorts Inc to strengthen its capital structure and sharpen its long-term strategic focus in the northeastern US gaming market. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, Genting Malaysia said Empire Resorts will dispose of its non-gaming assets… Continue reading Genting Malaysia undertakes RM2.2 billion restructuring of US subsidiary Empire Resorts