TELEKOM Research & Development Sdn Bhd (TM R&D) appears to have made major innovative strides in the past two years. Since 2018, the R&D unit of Telekom Malaysia Bhd has managed to achieve a 100% adoption rate for its innovations from a mere 5% previously, says TM R&D CEO Dr Sharl...

TM R&D delivered RM1.6 bil in innovation impact in 2019

Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) intends to take Amanah Harta Tanah PNB (AHP) private via a selective unit redemption (SUR) exercise, in which the minority unitholders will receive RM1 per unit.

The offer price of RM1 is at a 50.3% premium over the last traded price of 66.5 sen

PNB to take Amanah Harta Tanah private at RM1 per unit

Icon Offshore Bhd’s wholly-owned Brunei unit Icon Bahtera (B) Sdn Bhd has secured a chartering contract from Zell Transportation Sdn Bhd (ZT) for the supply of offshore support vessels and chartering services.

In a stock exchange filing, Icon Offshore said ZT holds a contract to provide the chartering of vessels to Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn Bhd.

Icon’s Bruneian unit clinches chartering contract

Berjaya Corp Bhd founder and executive chairman Tan Sri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun said today that the diversified group has no interest in Sea Gamer Mall Sdn Bhd (SEAGM) from which two Malaysian executives were charged with abetting five Chinese hackers in alleged computer crimes and other related offences.

In a statement today, VIncent, who is a passive investor in SEAGM, said reference is made to the recent arrest of the two Malaysian executives of SEAGM by the Malaysian authorities, pending their extradition to the US to face criminal charges by the US Department of Justice (DoJ).

Vincent Tan: Berjaya Corp has no interest in Sea Gamer Mall 

Based on corporate announcements and news flow today, stocks in focus on Friday (Sept 18) may include: UEM Sunrise Bhd, Daibochi Bhd, Sapura Energy Bhd, Petronas Gas Bhd, Advancecon Holdings Bhd, ACO Group Bhd, Top Glove Corp Bhd and Sino Hua-An International Bhd.

UEM Sunrise, Daibochi, Sapura Energy, Petronas Gas, Advancecon, ACO, Top Glove and Sino Hua-An

At the price of 30 sen per share, Datuk Chai Woon Chet seemed to have made an attractive mandatory takeover offer (MTO) to the minority shareholders of Oversea Enterprise Bhd (OEB) given the restaurant chain’s share price had never traded at that high level since it was listed in April 2010.

Oversea Enterprise MTO gets only 500 shares

Sino Hua-An International Bhd (Hua-An)’s unit Touchpoint International Sdn Bhd has inked a deal with Technische Investment (PTY) Ltd for the use and commercialisation of a mobile application called SnappiStore App (SSA).

Touchpoint had on Tuesday (Sept 15) entered into a software licence and service agreement with Technische, which is a South Africa-based firm providing online ordering services, payment processing services and delivery services, the group said in a bourse filing today.

Hua-An’s unit inks deal with South African firm for SnappiStore App

Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has paid Sarawak RM2.95 billion in sales tax (SST) on petroleum products.

According to Bernama, Petronas chairman Datuk Ahmad Nizam Salleh presented a cheque for RM2,956,671,407.36 to Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at a ceremony at Wisma Bapa Malaysia in Kuching today.

Petronas has paid RM2.95b in SST to Sarawak

Malaysia today reported 21 new Covid-19 cases — of which five were imported and 16 were local transmissions — bringing the total positive cases detected so far to 10,052, according to the Ministry of Health.

Covid-19: Malaysia reports 21 new cases, one new cluster in Sabah

Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) is organising a series of Repayment Assistance Advisory roadshows across the country to proactively reach out to its customers who may face difficulties with their loan and financing repayment post-moratorium.

Maybank holds roadshows, extends operating hours for customers requiring repayment assistance

Johnson & Johnson, fresh off a US$14.6 billion (RM65.38 billion) deal to buy neurological drugmaker Intra-Cellular, reported fourth-quarter (4Q) revenues and profit above Wall Street estimates on Wednesday, driven by strong sales of its cancer treatments.

J&J has been on an acquisition spree to boost its drugs and device businesses after spinning off its consumer unit in 2023.

J&J beats quarterly sales and profit estimates on cancer drug sales

The ceasefire agreement that paused the war between Israel and the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon will likely be extended when it expires next week, according to several people familiar with the matter.

The Iran-backed group and the Israelis are unlikely to resume full-scale fighting despite needing more time to implement the original terms of the truce, which started in late November, according to Lebanese, Israeli and French government officials involved in ongoing talks.

Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire set to be extended beyond next week

Türkiye has detained 11 people as part of an investigation into a fire that killed 76 people and injured dozens at a ski resort in the Bolu mountains, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said on Wednesday.

A deputy mayor of the northwestern Bolu province, the head of the municipality's fire department, the owner and the manager of the hotel were among those detained, Tunc said on X.

Türkiye detains 11 over ski resort hotel fire that killed 76

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened Russia "and other participating countries" with taxes, tariffs and sanctions if a deal to end the war in Ukraine is not struck soon.

Without a deal, Trump said in a post on Truth Social, "I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries."

Trump threatens Russia, others with sanctions if Ukraine deal not reached

Amazon.com Inc will shut down all warehouses and lay off employees in the French-speaking Canadian province of Quebec.

“Following a recent review of our Quebec operations, we’ve seen that returning to a third-party delivery model supported by local small businesses, similar to what we had until 2020, will allow us to provide the same great service and even more savings to our customers over the long run,” said Amazon spokesperson Barbara Agrait in an emailed statement.

Amazon to close warehouses in Quebec, slashing 1,900 jobs

Gold prices soared to near three-month highs on Wednesday, trading below its record peak, fuelled by a soft dollar and lack of clarity around US President Donald Trump's policy plans, which investors fear could trigger trade wars and elevate market volatility.

Spot gold added 0.3% to US$2,753.79 per ounce as of 9.45am ET (1445 GMT). Prices were at their highest since Oct 31 when they hit their all-time-high of US$2,790.15.

Trump uncertainties push safe-haven gold to near all-time highs

Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Bhd (EXIM Bank) has filed a lawsuit against instant coffee manufacturer Power Root Bhd (KL:PWROOT), seeking RM7.39 million over insurance claim payout dispute. 

According to Power Root’s filing with Bursa Malaysia on Wednesday, EXIM Bank is demanding repayment of RM675,509.22 disbursed to its subsidiaries, namely Power Root (M) Sdn Bhd (PRM), Power Root Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PRMFG), and Power Root ME Free Zone Company (PRME).

Power Root sued by EXIM Bank over insurance claim payout 

Asean is progressing cautiously on Myanmar as it is critical to secure peace in the country, said Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said Asean’s approach is not about enforcing a particular system but ensuring inclusivity and peace as well as the importance of participatory democracy.

Asean takes cautious approach on Myanmar, critical to secure peace — Anwar

Sustainability can sometimes be seen as a concept only achievable by those with resources, but it can also be practised by smallholders and bring about financial benefits, according to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

According to RSPO, 85% of oil palm plantation owners ar...

Agriculture: Sustainable palm oil practices in Surat Thani province

KPMG International’s Survey of Sustainability Reporting 2024, published in December, highlights that sustainability reporting has become a routine part of business operations for nearly all of the top 100 companies in each country. Notably, Malaysia is among seven countries where all top 100 companies report on their sustainability efforts.

Top global companies make sustainability reporting part of core practice

Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Bhd (EXIM Bank) has filed a lawsuit against instant coffee manufacturer Power Root Bhd (KL:PWROOT), seeking RM7.39 million over insurance claim payout dispute.&nbsp;

According to Power Root’s filing with Bursa Malaysia on Wednesday, EXIM Bank is demanding repayment of RM675,509.22 disbursed to its subsidiaries, namely Power Root (M) Sdn Bhd (PRM), Power Root Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PRMFG), and Power Root ME Free Zone Company (PRME).

HSBC Bank Malaysia Bhd has officially opened its flagship wealth centre in&nbsp;Menara IQ at the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), Malaysia’s international financial hub,&nbsp;to serve its high-net-worth clients.

HSBC Malaysia opens flagship wealth centre at TRX to serve high-net-worth clients

The public portion of ACE Market-bound Northern Solar Holdings Bhd’s initial public offering (IPO) has been oversubscribed by 73.2&nbsp;times.&nbsp;

Northern Solar's IPO oversubscribed by 73.2 times

Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak claimed that he was being prosecuted for "being transparent" on how he spent the purported donation from the Middle East.

The now-imprisoned 71-year-old, said that he could have easily utilised the donation monies in the form of cash but did not do so and specifically used cheques because he knew it would be documented.

1MDB-Tanore trial: Najib denies abusing funds, says used cheques to be 'transparent'

The&nbsp;industrial subsector&nbsp;is expected to continue&nbsp;its positive trend&nbsp;in 2025,&nbsp;according to&nbsp;Henry Butcher Malaysia&nbsp;chief operating officer Tang Chee Meng. The Henry Butcher Perspective — Malaysia Property Outlook 2025 report, which was&nbsp;launched&nbsp;on Wednesday, noted that&nbsp;the&nbsp;volume of industrial transactions in the first nine months of 2024 (9M2024)&nbsp;increased by 6.5%, while the value rose 22.8%.

Henry Butcher: Malaysia's industrial subsector to continue strong performance

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

Sunway, CapitaLand Malaysia Trust, Sentral REIT, AME REIT, Jentayu, Power Root 

Investors looking for opportunities in Malaysia are recommended to look beyond data centre-related stocks and proxies to artificial intelligence (AI), amid the US restriction on AI chip exports, said Manulife Investment Management (Manulife IM).

Look beyond Malaysian proxies of data centres, says Manulife IM

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 22): The risk of overbuilding of residential properties would become more apparent in the coming years, particularly in high-growth cities, according to JLL Appraisal &amp; Property Services Sdn Bhd (JLL Malaysia).

JLL Malaysia: Risk of overbuilding as market sentiment improves

Malaysia’s inflation is expected to reverse its current downtrend&nbsp;and gradually rise from mid-2025, driven by subsidy rationalisation, tax adjustments, and wage increases, according to economists.

Economists warn of short-lived inflation downtrend, predict gradual rebound by mid-2025

Jentayu Sustainables Bhd (KL:JSB) said the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has denied the building material and renewable energy (RE) group’s bid for an extension of time to complete its acquisition of three RE firms proposed in 2021.

Jentayu was informed of the regulator’s decision not to approve its application seeking an extension up to March 26, 2025, via a letter on Wednesday, according to the company’s bourse filing.

SC denies Jentayu’s extension bid to complete acquisitions of RE firms

CapitaLand Malaysia Trust (KL:CLMT) posted a 15% year-on-year increase in its fourth quarter net property income (NPI) on higher revenue contribution from the majority of CLMT’s properties, supported by stronger retail sentiment.

CapitaLand Malaysia Trust posts record net property income of RM264 mil in FY2024

TechStore Bhd, an enterprise information technology (IT) services provider set to make its debut on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia on Feb 18, intends to collaborate with industry players as part of its strategy to secure larger and more complex projects.

ACE Market-bound TechStore eyes larger projects, seeks industry collaborations

Saudi Arabian Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal's investment company Kingdom Holding (KHC) would be interested in investing in ByteDance's TikTok if Elon Musk or others offered to buy it, CEO Talal Ibrahim al-Maiman told Al Arabiya TV on Wednesday.

The search to find a buyer for the Chinese-owned popular short-video app continues in the US after it went dark and was revived later by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump delaying the enforcement of a ban on it by 75 days.

Saudi prince's investment firm would be keen on TikTok if Musk or others buy it, says CEO 

CapitaLand Malaysia Trust (KL:CLMT) said it will continue to seek acquisition opportunities in industrial and logistic assets across Penang, Johor and the Klang Valley this year.

“We have been actively managing our balance sheet to create room for acquisitions and if we have a choice, we would be keen to deploy some of our capital again in the industrial and logistics area,” said Tan Choon Siang, the chief executive officer of the trust's manager, CapitaLand Malaysia REIT Management Sdn Bhd.

CapitaLand Malaysia Trust continues pursuit for industrial, logistic assets

Below is a summary of how key Bursa Malaysia indices and the ringgit performed on Wednesday.

FBM KLCI up 0.46% to 1,587.8 on Jan 22, 2025

Sentral REIT&nbsp;(KL:SENTRAL) ended the final financial quarter with a flat net property income (NPI), as revenue gains were offset by operating expenses for Menara CelcomDigi.

Sentral REIT's net property income flat in 4Q, up 20.4% for full year

Investors willing to go against the market in the coming months should consider selling US technology stocks and private credit, while boosting holdings in China, according to the head of Norway’s US$1.8 trillion (RM8.0 trillion) sovereign wealth fund.

CEO of Norway's US$1.8 tril fund sees contrarian bet in US tech

The US&nbsp;sovereign debt profile remains on an unsustainable path with deficits likely to widen more than what has been recently projected by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), an analyst at investment firm DoubleLine said on Tuesday.

US fiscal path unsustainable despite improved budget forecasts, says DoubleLine

A three-member Court of Appeal bench allowed an appeal by the K Residence joint management body (JMB) in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, to set aside a High Court order obtained by the property developer, KL Landmark Sdn Bhd, and seven others for them to be allowed to vote.

The appellate bench also ordered the matter to be reverted to the High Court to determine the arrears and not to summarily allow the originating summons by the developer and seven others.

COA rules developers with arrears cannot vote in AGM

The traffic flow on major highways is expected to increase significantly, reaching 2.6 million vehicles per day heading towards the east coast, north, and south for the Chinese New Year celebration from the Klang Valley.

Muhammed Ahmad Hamdan

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