The government has pledged to continue its financial commitment to national strategic projects in transport such as the light rail transit and the mass rapid transit, according to the revised 2023 Economic and Fiscal Outlook report.

Putrajaya pledges continued financial support in strategic transport projects in 2023

The Malaysian economy is expected to grow by 4.5% to RM1.57 trillion this year, supported by stable domestic demand, mainly from household spending, in line with the recovery in the labour market, according to the government’s revised 2023 Economic and Fiscal Outlook report.

Malaysia’s 2023 GDP growth seen moderating to 4.5% amid softening global economy

The government said it is exploring options to efficiently manage future pension obligations, including introducing defined contribution schemes.

Given that Malaysia is now an ageing nation by the United Nations definition, pension obligations are expected to continue to increase, according to the Finance Ministry's revised 2023 Economic and Fiscal Outlook report.

Govt exploring defined contribution scheme to manage future pension obligations

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 24): The Federal Government’s debt is estimated to reach around 62% of gross domestic products (GDP) by end-2023, up from 60.4% or RM1.08 trillion last year, as Putrajaya continues to borrow for the financing of development programmes and projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan, and also as the redemption of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) bonds mature in March.

Fed govt debt likely to rise to 62% of GDP by end-2023 on higher borrowings to fund 12MP, 1MDB bond redemption

Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) is expected to pay about RM40 billion in dividends to the government in 2023, slightly higher than the previous Budget 2023's headline RM35 billion.

Petronas to contribute RM40b dividend payout to govt in 2023

The government has estimated that operating expenditure (OE) in 2023 will decline by 1.2% to RM289.1 billion from RM292.7 billion in 2022, primarily due to lower subsidy allocations as commodity prices are expected to moderate while the targeted subsidy mechanism is gradually implemented.

The RM289.1 billion estimated OE is 15.3% of the gross domestic product, according to the Finance Ministry’s revised 2023 Economic & Fiscal Outlook report.

Govt operating expenditure falls 1.2% to RM289 bil in 2023 on lower subsidy allocations

The government expects to be able to generate higher revenue of RM291.5 billion this year, mainly supported by a further growth of 6.9% in direct tax collection, thanks to improved corporate earnings prospects and “continuous efforts in enhancing auditing and tax compliance”.

With a budgeted expenditure of RM386.14 billion, the government is expecting a fiscal deficit of RM93.94 billion, equivalent to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, down from RM99.48 billion (5.6%) in 2022 and RM98.74 billion (6.4%) in 2021, according to the revised 2023 Economic and Fiscal Outlook report.

Govt sees higher direct tax collection supporting 2023 revenue, expects 5% fiscal deficit

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 24): Malaysia’s inflation rate is expected to rise to between 2.8% and 3.8% in 2023 amid slower economic prospects and stable commodity prices, according to the Ministry of Finance (MOF)’s revised Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2023 report.

Malaysia’s 2023 inflation seen at 2.8%-3.8%

Here is a brief recap of some corporate announcements that made the news on Friday.

Allianz Malaysia, Bumi Armada, Bintulu Port, D&O, Sarawak Plantation, Favelle Favco, CSC Steel, BM Greentech, SkyWorld, Lagenda Properties, Solarvest, SMI, Icon Offshore, Top Glove, MNRB, Chin Hin Group Property

The S&P 500 and the Dow touched over one-week highs on Friday after data showed a still robust economy, while small-cap stocks outperfomed large-cap indexes.

The S&P flash PMI showed manufacturing activity stood at 48.8 in November, in line with estimates from a Reuters poll of economists.

S&P 500, Dow touch over one-week highs after business activity data

Vizione Holdings Bhd (KL:VIZIONE) said its unit has served a notice to Inspirasi Langkawi Sdn Bhd to terminate its employment as main contractor for the development of a 14-storey hotel in Langkawi, claiming it had not been properly paid for its works so far.

Vizione quits RM116 mil hotel construction job over alleged unpaid works

A measure of US business activity raced to a 31-month high in November, boosted by hopes for lower interest rates and more business-friendly policies from President-elect Donald Trump's administration next year.

US business activity gauge rises to 31-month high in November

Global investment conglomerate Bin Zayed International Group of Companies (BZI) has committed to investing US$2 billion (RM8.93 billion) in Malaysia over the next five years. 

Bin Zayed International (M) Bhd managing director Datuk Seri Dr Shamir Kumar Nandy said as part of its strategic expansion plan, the group would tap into real estate, renewable energy and financial services to attract investments into the country.

Bin Zayed International commits US$2 bil investment in Malaysia over next five years

Property developer SkyWorld Development Bhd (KL:SKYWLD), which made its Main Market debut in July last year, said it is on target to launch developments with an estimated gross development value of RM4.6 billion by 2026, having achieved RM1.1 billion worth of launches so far.

SkyWorld nears deal for Vietnam joint venture on completion of due diligence, says on track for RM4.6b launch target by 2026

Lagenda Properties Bhd (KL:LAGENDA) said on Friday that an indirectly owned subsidiary of the company has secured the right to develop a 139-acre land in Kota Tinggi, Johor, for RM99.62 million, cash. The final purchase price may still vary.

Lagenda Properties secures right to develop another Kota Tinggi plot for RM99.62 mil

The flood situation in Terengganu and Perak has grown worse, while Kelantan has become the latest state hit by floods as of 8pm on Friday night.

In Terengganu, the number of evacuees rose drastically to 221 people being housed in 10 relief centres compared to 29 in the morning.

Floods worsen in Terengganu, Perak while Kelantan latest state hit

Loss-making Classita Holdings Bhd (KL:CLASSITA) is mulling diversifying into the property investment business as it foresees growing demand.

Lingerie maker Classita to diversify into property investment

The COP29 climate summit presidency released a draft finance deal on Friday that would have developed nations take the lead in providing US$250 billion (RM1.11 trillion) per year by 2035 to help poorer nations — a proposal that drew criticism from all sides.

COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay US$250 bil a year

Affin Bank Bhd (KL:AFFIN) on Friday cut some of its key financial expectations for the full year even as net profit surged in the third quarter, as the company continues efforts to improve profitability.

Affin Bank cuts key expectations even as 3Q net profit surges

GEORGE TOWN (Nov 22): Penang&nbsp;welcomed Hong Kong Express’ (HK Express) inaugural direct flight from Hong Kong on Friday, marking a milestone in the state’s tourism development.

Penang welcomes HK Express’ inaugural flight from Hong Kong

CapitaLand Investment Ltd, one of Asia’s largest property investment managers, warned of potential losses as it seeks to extricate itself from China’s real estate crisis.

CapitaLand warns of China losses as Singapore property investor cuts exposure

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 22): Berjaya Hartanah Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Berjaya Land Bhd (KL:BJLAND), officially launched on Friday, its latest condominium development named Oaka Residences at Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. The project has a gross development value (GDV) of RM373 million.&nbsp;

Berjaya Land launches RM373m Oaka Residences in Bukit Jalil

Top Glove Corp Bhd (KL:TOPGLOV) has entered into a joint venture (JV) with US glove importer Tronex (Asia) Ltd, and Polywel International Trade Co Ltd for the production and distribution of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) gloves.

Top Glove in JV for high density polyethylene glove biz

Sunway Bhd (KL:SUNWAY) became the best performing constituent member of the FBM KLCI index year to date after its share price breached the RM5 mark on Friday, ahead of its third-quarter (3Q) earnings announcement expected next week. &nbsp;

Sunway is best FBM KLCI constituent YTD after shares shoot past RM5

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 22): Hong Kong-based energy services firm Unity Group Holdings International Ltd said it is planning a secondary listing in Malaysia.

Hong Kong-based Unity Group pursues secondary listing on Bursa Malaysia

Malaysia's international reserves rebounded and added about US$400 million (RM1.79 billion) by the middle of November.

Malaysia's foreign exchange reserves rebounded to US$118b in mid-November, BNM data show

Inflation in Malaysia picked up slightly and was a tad faster than expected in October as prices of food and personal care products, including jewellery, rose, official data released on Friday showed.

Inflation in Malaysia picks up slightly in October, official data shows

Mah Sing Group Bhd's (KL:MAHSING) M Luna condominium development in Kepong has achieved a Qlassic score of 86%, the highest for an M Series project, according to a press statement on Friday.

Mah Sing's M Luna condo in Kepong achieves 86% Qlassic score

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 22): Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) supports the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia’s decision to retract its quality guidebook for homeowners, said MBAM president Oliver HC Wee.&nbsp;

MBAM supports CIDB’s decision to retract quality guidebook for homeowners

Offshore oil-and-gas services firm Bumi Armada Bhd (KL:ARMADA) said on Friday its third quarter net profit rose 19% from a year earlier as operating margins expanded with lower costs.

Bumi Armada's 3Q net profit rises 19%, no update on merger with MISC's offshore unit

Analysts are projecting a stronger showing from Sunway Construction Group Berhad (KL: SUNCON) in 4Q2024, driven by significant job progress, especially data centre (DC)-led projects.

Analysts expect stronger 4Q for Sunway Construction

Solarvest Holdings Bhd (KL:SLVEST)’s wholly owned subsidiary Atlantic Blue Sdn Bhd has been awarded a RM142 million engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) contract from SM01 Sdn Bhd, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) in which the group owns a 33% stake.

Solarvest bags RM142 mil EPCC job for 30MWac solar plant in Kedah

Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said on Friday it will continue to investigate the late Tun Daim Zainuddin, his wife and other family members.

MACC says will continue to investigate late Daim, wife, family members

Buyout firm Affinity Equity Partners is in talks to acquire Malaysian seafood supplier Golden Fresh Sdn Bhd, according to people familiar with the matter.

Affinity is said to be in talks to buy Malaysian seafood supplier Golden Fresh, Bloomberg reports

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 22): Chin Hin Group Property Bhd (KL:CHGP)&nbsp;has established a RM500 million perpetual notes programme.&nbsp;

Chin Hin Group Property establishes RM500m perpetual notes programme

New car sales in Europe were flat in October, after falling for two consecutive months, industry data showed on Thursday, while the transition to fully electric or hybrid models gained ground in the month.

European car sales flat in October, EVs gain ground, ACEA says

Sarawak Plantation Bhd (KL:SWKPLT) has announced a second interim dividend of 15 sen per share, as its latest third quarter net profit rose 14.6%, despite lower revenue, thanks largely to a higher fair value gain on its biological assets.

Sarawak Plantation pays bumper 15 sen dividend as 3Q profit hits record

The largest shareholder of South Malaysia Industries Bhd (KL:SMI) has called for an upcoming extraordinary general meeting (EGM) scheduled for Jan 9, 2025, to appoint six new directors to the company’s board, including former Perak police chief Datuk Pahlawan Mior Faridalathrash Wahid.

Revised Economic Report 2022/2023

‌
‌

Revised Economic Report 2022/2023

‌‌

‌
‌