Category: Business

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is confident that RON95 petrol subsidy rationalisation will not trigger a sharp rise in inflation, Ministry of Economy secretary-general Datuk Nor Azmie Diron said. Inflation is expected to remain manageable within the government’s target range of 2% to 3% even as subsidy rationalisation progresses, he added. “This is the aspiration we… Continue reading Government confident RON95 rationalisation won’t trigger spike in inflation

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is in talks with China on rare earth (RE) cooperation to expand local refining capacity, following the government’s ban on unprocessed exports. Ministry of Economy secretary-general Datuk Nor Azmie Diron said discussions with Beijing are difficult, as China’s policy is to only import raw materials and not allow its processing plants or… Continue reading Malaysia in talks on rare earth cooperation with China to expand local refining capacity

PETALING JAYA: Tropicana Corporation Berhad reported that it has redeemed another tranche of the Sukuk Wakalah Programme worth RM100 million, which was due on Sept 3, 2025. The Company has also successfully redeemed a tranche of RM123.5 million on June 30, 2025 under the Sukuk Wakalah Programme. The redemption of sukuk reflects Tropicana’s prudent financial… Continue reading Tropicana redeems RM100m Islamic bond

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is determined to advance regional cooperation in digital trade and this is clearly seen with the country hosting the inaugural Asean E-Commerce Conference 2025 in November, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh. “The participation of all stakeholders in this conference is vital to strengthening the… Continue reading Malaysia determined to advance regional cooperation in digital trade

JOHOR BAHRU: Cape EMS Bhd, a leading Malaysian-based electronic manufacturing services (EMS) solutions provider with global presence, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Shanghai Sermatec Energy Technology Co Ltd, a Bloomberg NEF-certified Tier 1 global energy storage manufacturer. This partnership formally initiates a joint commitment to localising battery energy storage solutions in Malaysia and establishing… Continue reading Cape EMS, Sermatec forge strategic alliance to localise battery storage for Asean

NEW DELHI: Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced significant tax reductions on hundreds of consumer products to stimulate domestic demand amidst economic pressures from US tariffs. The Goods and Services Tax panel approved simplified tax structures and lower rates on everyday items ranging from personal care products to consumer durables. Sitharaman confirmed the implementation of… Continue reading India cuts GST on consumer goods to boost domestic demand

KUALA LUMPUR: Pos Malaysia Bhd has expanded its electric vehicle (EV) fleet with 136 new Maxus eDeliver 3 vans, marking a step forward in its goal of becoming a fully electric logistics operator by 2030. The handover, held in conjunction with World EV Day 2025, extends the national courier’s EV fleet to 1,252 two-wheelers and… Continue reading Pos Malaysia expands EV fleet with 136 new Maxus eDeliver 3 vans

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian technology company Byond Tech Global Bhd, developer of the HR-tech platform MySyarikat, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) to launch business continuity and estate planning solutions tailored for small and medium enterprises. Byond Tech founder and CEO Malik Hairuddin said the collaboration is Malaysia’s first integration… Continue reading Maybank, Byond Tech collaborate on succession planning solutions for SMEs

PETALING JAYA: U Mobile, Malaysia’s newest 5G network provider, has launched Device Care, a flexible monthly subscription service that enables its customers to easily swap their devices across colours, brands and models within the same generation and recommended retail price. Customers may do so regardless of their device condition or if they simply want a… Continue reading U Moble’s Device Care allows customers to swap phones

BANGI: The Malaysian Nuclear Agency is stepping up efforts to expand the use of nuclear technology in energy, medicine, environment and other sectors in line with the National Nuclear Technology Policy 2030 (DTNN 2030). Its director-general, Dr Muhammad Rawi Mohamed Zin, said the development of nuclear technology is expected to have a significant impact not… Continue reading Malaysia stepping up efforts to expand use of nuclear technology

SHAH ALAM: Gagasan Nadi Cergas Bhd plans to deliver 15,000 affordable housing units over the next eight years, with a total GDV of RM4.1 billion. Chairman Dr Muhamad Fuad Abdullah said the projects will generate revenue from property development while ensuring a steady pipeline of work for the group’s construction division. “This will allow the… Continue reading Gagasan Nadi Cergas plans 15,000 affordable homes by 2033

KUALA LUMPUR: Property developer Radium Development Bhd remains cautiously optimistic on the domestic property market outlook, particularly in the Klang Valley, and will focus on expanding its landbank in prime locations. Group managing director Datuk Gary Gan Kah Siong said the company will also embark on diversifying into complementary sectors, maintain a strong balance sheet,… Continue reading Radium radiates cautious optimism on local market

JOHOR BAHRU: Scanfil, Europe’s largest listed electronics manufacturing company, has invested RM15.8 million to expand and modernise its SRX Global (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd facility here. The upgrade boosts production capacity by nearly 50% and reinforces Johor Bahru’s role as a strategic electronic hub in Asia. The investment strengthens Scanfil’s Asia Pacific operations, which also include… Continue reading Scanfil invests RM15.8m to expand Johor facility

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s upstream oil and natural gas segment recorded positive development in the second quarter of 2025 (Q2’25), with crude oil and condensate production amounting to 45.2 million barrels and natural gas reaching 640.9 billion cubic feet, said Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM). Despite crude oil and condensate growth remaining negative, the smaller contraction compared… Continue reading Signs of recovery in upstream oil, gas sector

KUALA LUMPUR: Zchwantech Sdn Bhd, a home-grown technology solutions provider, have achieved Amazon Web Services (AWS) Select Tier Partner status within the AWS Partner Network (APN). Zchwantech chairman Datuk Seow Gim Shen said the AWS Select Tier Partner status validates the company’s strong technical foundation and reinforces its mission to be a trusted provider of… Continue reading Zchwantech achieves Select Tier status within the AWS partner network

LONDON: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has said its production and sales have been “severely disrupted” following a major cyber attack, according to PA Media/dpa. The car manufacturer, owned by India’s Tata Motors, shut down systems after becoming aware of issues affecting its global operations. It is the latest setback for JLR as it continues to… Continue reading Jaguar Land Rover production severely disrupted by major cyber attack

KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia extended yesterday’s upward momentum amid continued buying interest in Wednesday morning trading. At 9.10 am, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI rose 0.17 points to 1,576.87 after closing at 1,576.70 on Tuesday. The index opened 1.47 points lower at 1,575.23 before recovering during early trading sessions. Gainers outnumbered decliners 194 to 117… Continue reading Bursa Malaysia maintains upward momentum amid continued buying interest

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened slightly higher on Wednesday as investors awaited key US labour market data that could influence Federal Reserve policy decisions. At 8 am, the local currency rose to 4.2255/2370 against the US dollar compared to yesterday’s closing rate of 4.2270/2350. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid… Continue reading Ringgit opens higher against US dollar ahead of key US labour data

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s share of the glove market in the United States has risen to 56% this year, up from 46-47% in 2024, driven by high tariffs imposed by the US on China, said Hartalega Holdings Bhd. Hartalega executive chairman Kuan Kam Hon said the tariff in general is helping Malaysian glove manufacturers as Malaysian… Continue reading Hartalega: Malaysia’s share of US glove market has increased to 56%

PETALING JAYA: BDx Data Centers, a data centre operator in Asia, has partnered with Hexa Renewables, a renewable energy provider, to pioneer an innovative cross-border model that adds new clean energy capacity to the region, specifically the Singapore-Malaysia energy grid. The collaboration directly addresses challenges around sourcing renewable energy in Singapore, while funding the development… Continue reading BDx Data Centers, Hexa Renewables ink deal for cross-border clean energy collaboration

HONG KONG: China’s economy is a study in contradictions. Decades of centralised industrial planning in China have led to endemic overcapacity, which in turn has fuelled destructive price wars across an array of sectors. Yet Beijing’s approach, for all its flaws, also helped create world-class corporate champions like electric-car maker BYD. Officials now want to… Continue reading China backseat driving risks sending AI off course

ZURICH: Nestle investors were pitched back into choppy waters yesterday after the Swiss food giant changed its CEO for the second time in a year, ousting boss Laurent Freixe over an affair he had with a subordinate. The company’s shares were indicated 1.9% lower in pre-market activity in Zurich following Freixe’s sudden dismissal on Monday… Continue reading Nestle investors face more turbulence after another CEO ousted

SHAH ALAM: Pos Fulfill, a fully integrated fulfilment and e-commerce logistics service by Pos Malaysia, is strengthening its support for small and medium enterprises, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, by leveraging its end-to-end solutions to ensure reliability and nationwide reach. Pos Fulfill head of fulfilment Rohit Gunavanthe said Malaysia has seen a rise in the… Continue reading Pos Fulfill strengthens support for SMEs, eyes expansion in Sabah and Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia Bhd announced the onboarding of UBS Securities Malaysia Sdn Bhd as its latest Islamic Participating Organisation, the first foreign broker to offer Islamic stockbroking services through a dedicated Islamic window on Bursa Malaysia-i, the world’s first end-to-end syariah-compliant investing platform. In a statement yesterday, Bursa Malaysia said that this development reflects… Continue reading UBS is Bursa’s first foreign Islamic broker

PETALING JAYA: The 3rd Asean Battery Technology Conference (ABTC), held Aug 29 in Phuket, highlighted Asean’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Organized by Thailand’s Energy Storage Technology Association with five regional partners, the three-day event drew over 340 participants, including Phuket Deputy Governor Samawit Supanpai. It also welcomed a distinguished group of speakers such as… Continue reading Asean battery event pushes innovation, sustainability

PETALING JAYA: Cyber Digital Services, Defence and Security Asia Exhibition and Conference 2025 (CyberDSA 2025) will transform the Malaysian International Trade and Exhibition Centre into the region’s hub for cybersecurity and digital innovation from Sept 30 to Oct 2. Now in its third edition, over 8,000 professionals from 45 countries are expected to attend, up… Continue reading CyberDSA 2025 to put Malaysia at heart of regional cybersecurity and innovation

KUALA LUMPUR: Local institutions extended their net buying streak on Bursa Malaysia for the fifth consecutive week, registering purchases of RM1.16 billion from RM391.8 million in the previous week, according to MBSB Investment Bank Bhd (MBSB IB). In its weekly Fund Flow Report for the week ended Aug 29, the investment bank said local retailers… Continue reading Local institutions net buyers on Bursa for fifth successive week

KUALA LUMPUR: APB Resources Bhd, a specialist in the design and fabrication of process equipment for petrochemical, oleochemical, oil and gas and power industries, is entering a new phase of growth and transformation following a management buyout led by three of its key executives. Through Strategic A Holdings Sdn Bhd, Ong Kok Wah, Lee Lisa,… Continue reading APB enters new chapter with management buyout by key executives

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened higher on Tuesday but is likely to trade cautiously today as traders will be observing Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) Monetary Policy Committee meeting this Thursday, along with the United States (US) non-farm payrolls (NFP) report on Friday. At 8 am, the local note rose to 4.2205/2300 against the US dollar… Continue reading Ringgit opens higher against US dollar ahead of BNM policy meeting

KUALA LUMPUR: PG Jewel Sdn Bhd, the jewellery arm of Aurora Italia International Bhd, is targeting expansion to 200 outlets nationwide in the next few years, up from just three it currently has. Director Jessie Ng said the jeweller has launched its first flagship store in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, two months ago and will open… Continue reading PG Jewel targets expansion to 200 stores nationwide in next few years

KUALA LUMPUR: Hybrid work arrangement has evolved from a trend into a core business strategy, reshaping workplaces, fostering flexibility and empowering teams to operate in new ways. Accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic and strengthened by advances in digital collaboration tools, flexible work models now give businesses a competitive edge – helping them tap into wider… Continue reading IWG: Rising demand for flexible workspaces in Malaysia as hybrid work gains traction

THE rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the future of work globally, and Malaysia is no exception. Across industries, leaders are captivated by the transformative potential of AI. From automating repetitive tasks to enhancing decision-making, AI promises productivity, creativity, and efficiency gains. Yet, while corporate enthusiasm runs high, actual on-the-ground adoption remains uneven.… Continue reading Closing the AI gap in the workplace

WATER, energy and resource-intensive industries (WERII) are taking a vital economic spot to spearhead new technologies and solutions to fuel artificial intelligence (AI), net zero solutions and climate adaption and mitigation, among others. However, Malaysia’s policies are not holistically streamlined to mitigate environmental challenges faced by this sector. The Association of Water and Energy Research… Continue reading Why fear data centres and water, energy and resource-intensive industries?

AS WE draw the curtain on the first half of 2025, one thing is clear – the road has been anything but smooth. Markets have been tossed by crosscurrents of global conflict, policy shocks, and investor anxiety. And yet, through all the noise, Malaysia has held its ground. The FBM KLCI, though not immune to… Continue reading Will there be stability in the markets in second-half 2025?

KUALA LUMPUR: Moody’s Analytics anticipates Bank Negara Malaysia will maintain its overnight policy rate at 2.75 percent during Thursday’s monetary policy committee meeting. The research firm stated in its Asia Pacific Weekly Highlights and Preview note that July’s 25 basis point cut represented a pre-emptive move against growing external uncertainties. “Since then, industrial production and… Continue reading BNM expected to hold OPR at 2.75% on Thursday: Moody’s

A HYBRID financial instrument is a financial security that combines the features of both debt and equity. These instruments are widely used across corporate finance, investment structuring, tax planning and regulatory capital (banking and insurance) to optimise the financial performance, reduce risks and increase flexibility to the issuer and the instrument holder. The tax treatment… Continue reading Tax Matters – Decoding the treatment of hybrid financial instruments

KUALA LUMPUR: As L’Oreal Malaysia celebrates 30 years in the country, managing director Tomas Hruska said the beauty giant is shifting its playbook to capture Malaysia’s fast-growing young and digital-first consumer base while deepening its social and sustainability footprint. “We have been the company driving the growth of the beauty market, bringing innovations to consumers… Continue reading L’Oreal Malaysia targets young, digital-savvy consumers for growth, champions sustainability

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian investors are increasingly diversifying their capital beyond traditional hotspots, turning to emerging markets as a hedge against global risks. High interest rates and punitive taxes have prompted many to withdraw from Australia, while in the United Kingdom, investors are either offloading London assets or refinancing to unlock capital for redeployment. This shift… Continue reading Dubai, Abu Dhabi on radar of Malaysian investors seeking high-yield properties

PETALING JAYA: The Asean Business and Investment Summit 2025 (ABIS 2025), this year’s edition of the region’s most influential annual business forum, will take place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 25 and 26. The two-day summit will bring together more than 1,500 participants, including Asean and global… Continue reading Kuala Lumpur to host Asean Business and Investment Summit in October

PETALING JAYA: Mpire Global Berhad is proposing to change its name to Greentronics Technology Berhad, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval. In a statement, the company said the proposed name change reflects the group’s commitment to sustainability, innovation-led growth and environmental, social and governance-aligned practices, while also aligning with the established Globetronics Technology brand identity.… Continue reading Mpire Global proposes to change name to Greentronics Technology

PETALING JAYA: Construction and property group Gagasan Nadi Cergas Bhd is riding a strong wave of growth, posting solid earnings for two consecutive quarters, lifted by affordable housing projects under its property development segment. Net profit came in at RM6.5 million in the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 (Q2’25), turning around from a net… Continue reading Gagasan Nadi Cergas posts solid Q2 earnings, lifted by affordable housing projects