HSBC Holdings Plc is placing some of its investment bankers on short-term retention agreements as it winds down various businesses in a broad overhaul led by new chief executive officer Georges Elhedery, according to people familiar with the matter.

HSBC places some bankers on short-term retention amid overhaul

Used cooking oil has become an important commodity as it can be used as a base material for the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which has low carbon emissions.

Used cooking oil now main commodity in production of sustainable aviation fuel

The Selangor Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) has so far culled only 14,000 pigs of various categories suspected of being infected with African Swine Fever (ASF).

14,000 pigs culled so far in Selangor to curb ASF outbreak, says Veterinary Services Dept

Bursa Malaysia and its subsidiaries will be closed on Monday and Tuesday (March 31 and April 1) in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri public holiday, subject to the official announcement by the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal.

Bursa Malaysia, subsidiaries to close for Hari Raya Aidilfitri

One of the most popular ETFs in emerging markets is quickly falling out of favour after a stellar two-year run as investors reassess the outlook amid global growth concerns and simmering trade tensions.

Hottest emerging ETF sees record outflows as China gains

Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Wednesday.

LSH Capital, Matrix Concepts, Symphony Life, Gamuda, Gas Malaysia, Kim Loong, United Malacca, MyNews, Marine & General, Dayang, Nestcon, Solarvest, Rohas Tecnic, Bintai Kinden

All citizens in this country must understand and respect each other and accept diversity to forge a united country.

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said that instilling unity is not only the government's responsibility, but it is a shared responsibility.

People need to understand each other for a united nation

PMCK Bhd, a Kedah-based healthcare services provider, said on Wednesday that it has secured approval from Bursa Malaysia for its ACE Market listing.

Healthcare services company PMCK gets Bursa's nod for ACE Market listing

State-owned Agrobank, or Bank Pertanian Malaysia Bhd, announced on Wednesday its target for net financing growth of between RM1.5 billion and RM1.6 billion in 2025. This growth will be driven by increased support for agricultural sectors, in line with the National Agrofood Policy.

Agrobank targets stronger growth in 2025 with RM1.6b net financing expansion

With Malaysia taking on the Asean chairmanship for 2025, it has the opportunity to play a more proactive role in empowering disaster management in the region, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Malaysia can play more proactive role in strengthening disaster management, says Ahmad Zahid

Cuckoo International (MAL) Bhd, en route to the Main Market, is looking at double-digit growth in income from rental of its products partly backed by an expansion in its offerings.

Cuckoo International sees growth in product rental income as offerings expand

PUTRAJAYA (March 26): The Court of Appeal (COA) has upheld on Wednesday the forfeiture of RM3.2 million worth of luxury cars, jewellery, handbags, watches, and foreign and local currency, worth more than RM3.2 million, from former Johor executive council member Datuk Abd Latif Bandi and eight others.

Appellate court upholds RM3.2m forfeiture of valuables from ex-Johor exco, real estate agent

Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd’s (KL:MATRIX)&nbsp;long-serving group managing director Ho Kong Soon, 58, is resigning to pursue personal endeavours.

Matrix Concepts group MD Ho Kong Soon to step down on April 1

Singaporean ride and delivery firm Grab Holdings Ltd is in talks to raise a loan of as much as US$2 billion (RM8.85 billion) to back its potential takeover of Indonesia-based rival GoTo Group Inc, according to people familiar with the matter.

Grab seeks up to US$2 bil loan for potential takeover of GoTo

Gamuda Bhd (KL:GAMUDA) reported a 4.8% year-on-year increase in net profit for the second fiscal quarter thanks to domestic construction projects, particularly the Penang land reclamation works.

Gamuda says to sign several 'imminent' large contracts, as 2Q profit grows 4.8%

At least two research&nbsp;houses upgraded their call on Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd (KL:ABMB), after its share price dropped to a more attractive valuation, amid a proposed rights issue aimed at supporting the banking group's growth.

Analysts upgrade Alliance Bank, say selldown 'overdone' amid proposed rights issue

KUALA LUMPUR (March 26):&nbsp;China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCC-ECRL) has honoured 18 local vendors, including consultants and subcontractors, with the Excellence Award 2024, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the East Coast Rail Link project (ECRL).

CCC-ECRL recognises excellence of 18 local vendors for outstanding contributions to ECRL project

UOB Kay Hian Securities (M) Sdn Bhd has appointed Anne Leh as its new CEO effective March 28.

UOB Kay Hian appoints Anne Leh as new CEO

KUALA LUMPUR (March 26): Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) sees the ban on online optical device and contact lens sales in Malaysia as a boost for Focus Point Holdings Bhd (KL:FOCUSP).&nbsp;

Online sales ban on eyewear to benefit Focus Point, says HLIB

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), which was taken private earlier this year, is reviewing the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Master Plan and putting brick-and-mortar expansion on hold in favour of rebuilding older assets to eke out capacity.

KLIA Master Plan under review, brick-and-mortar expansion on hold — MAHB

Indonesian authorities will hand over more land that has been seized in probes into illegal palm plantations to the new state company Agrinas Palma Nusantara, officials said on Wednesday, as part of a push to clean up the industry's global image.

Indonesia steps up handing confiscated palm plantations to state company

FIVE years have passed since the Covid-19 pandemic rattled the world, with lockdowns starting in March 2020 that brought almost all economic activities to a standstill.

The unprecedented global health crisis triggered panic and equity routes. On March 19, &nbsp;a day after the first mov...

Special Report: Penny stock fever rose as billions poured into market

Gas Malaysia Bhd (KL:GASMSIA) has announced a final dividend of 10.28 sen per share, payable on June 26, 2025, following a 15.12% increase in its annual net profit to RM441.39 million for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2024.

Gas Malaysia declares final dividend of 10.28 sen per share 

Solarvest&nbsp;Holdings&nbsp;Bhd’s&nbsp;(KL:SLVEST) unit Atlantic Blue Sdn&nbsp;Bhd&nbsp;has&nbsp;secured an engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) contract from SV Flux Sdn&nbsp;Bhd,&nbsp;an indirect unit of Penang Development Corp (PDC),&nbsp;worth RM103.08 million.

Solarvest secures RM103m EPCC contract from Penang Development Corp unit

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) marks a historic milestone in Malaysia-Singapore relations, aiming to create a seamless economic corridor between the two nations, encompassing key districts in Johor including Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Pasir Gudang, Pontian, Kulai, and Kota Tinggi. The JS-SEZ is strategically positioned to enhance cross-border trade, investment, and innovation.

Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone as a regional growth catalyst

Property developer and construction firm Lim Seong Hai Capital Bhd (LSH Capital) (KL:LSH) on Wednesday said it plans to rejuvenate the 10-acre area around KL Tower into an integrated destination for tourism, retail and cultural engagement.

LSH Capital plans to transform 10-acre KL Tower area into a tourism, retail and cultural destination

Cuckoo International (MAL) Bhd, en route to the Main Market, is looking at double-digit growth in income from rental of its products partly backed by an expansion in its offerings.

China is running a trade surplus that the world economy can’t “live with,” former US president Bill Clinton’s top trade official said, warning its exports would face new roadblocks without fixing the domestic causes fuelling the imbalances.

China’s trade surplus too big to accept, ex-top US official says

Concerns are mounting over potential US restrictions on semiconductor exports, which could disrupt supply chains and impact Malaysia’s trade balance, according to the Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO).

Malaysia’s trade at risk amid US semiconductor tariffs, research group says

MALAYSIA has not seen the peak of its data centre construction boom, says construction chemicals producer Sika Kimia Sdn Bhd (Sika Malaysia), amid recent concerns about a potential change in demand following the latest developments in the artificial intelligence (AI) space.

Sika Malaysi...

Data centre boom has not peaked, says Sika Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR (March 26): The High Court here has ordered the Selangor government to hand over three key impact assessment reports of the controversial Petaling Jaya Dispersal (PJD) Link project to four Petaling Jaya residents within a month, granting the residents’ judicial review bid in part.

Ambereen Choudhury, Manuel Baigorri, Harry Wilson & Denise Wee