Investors will demand a higher risk premium for PPB Group Bhd (KL:PPB) after associate and main profit contributor Wilmar International Ltd was charged by Indonesia's Attorney General Office (AGO), according to Kenanga Research.

PPB faces higher risk premium after Wilmar's US$729m deposit in Indonesia case

A biotech stock focused on herbal medicine has surged by more than 46,000% so far this year and yet, the company itself has made zero revenue — much less turned a profit.

Herbal medicine stock with no sales sees rally top 46,000%

Engineering precision parts manufacturer CPE Technology Bhd (KL:CPETECH) is positioned to leverage the growing global industry trend of new developments of semiconductor fabrication facilities, also known as wafer fab plants, said Maybank Investment Bank (Maybank IB).

Maybank IB sees upside for CPE Tech from global wafer fab construction boom in first coverage

KUALA LUMPUR (June 12): Binastra Corporation Bhd’s (KL:BNASTRA) RM268 million apartment construction job win from new client TNJ Development Sdn Bhd adds to ongoing efforts to diversify beyond its three core recurring customers, said analysts.

Binastra’s latest construction win signals clientele diversification efforts, say analysts

UUE Holdings Bhd (KL:UUE) resumed its ascent on Wednesday as investors reacted to the latest contract win while Apex Securities, the sole research house covering the stock, raised its forecasts.

UUE's stock resumes ascent following contract win, Apex raises forecasts

Tesla Inc was hit with a pair of downgrades on Monday, underscoring mounting concerns on Wall Street about the electric-vehicle (EV) maker’s outlook following last week’s clash between chief executive officer Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump.

Tesla hit with a pair of downgrades amid fallout from Trump feud

KUALA LUMPUR (June 5): VS Industry Bhd (KL:VS) faces risk of supply chain disruption on potential US tariff increases that may also hit broader demand for the end-products it assembles, CGS International cautioned on Thursday.

VS Industry faces supply chain disruption risks, end-demand hit from tariff, CGS flags in downgrade

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) bought a 5.02% stake in 99 Speed Mart Retail Holdings Bhd (KL:99SMART) via a direct off-market deal, a bourse filing showed.

EPF buys 5% stake in 99 Speed Mart

IJM Corporation Bhd (KL:IJM) and Muhibbah Engineering (M) Bhd (KL:MUHIBAH) are among the companies expected to benefit from the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) spur line, which provides direct connectivity to two major ports in Port Klang, CIMB Securities said.

IJM Corp, Muhibbah Engineering to benefit from ECRL spur line — CIMB Securities

KUALA LUMPUR (June 6): Analysts expect Econpile Holdings Bhd (KL:ECONBHD) to benefit from more piling contract opportunities ahead, following its latest award under the Penang Mutiara Line (PML) LRT project.

Econpile’s earnings to rebound in 4Q; analysts expect more contract wins

Maybank Investment Bank said shares of KPJ Healthcare Bhd (KL:KPJ) have been oversold — after the recent 8% drop in its share price following its first quarter results — and now would be a good time to buy.

Shares in KPJ oversold, a good buy now — Maybank IB 

Analysts expect Genting Malaysia Bhd’s (KL:GENM) earnings in 2025 to continue to see pressure from operational issues from its business in the UK and US and higher interest rates. This will also impact the earnings of Genting Bhd (KL:GENTING), which owns 49.33% of Genting Malaysia.

Analysts cut Genting, GenM earnings after weak 1Q; expect pressure from low consumer spending, high interest rates

After languishing for months, Microsoft Corp shares are back within striking distance of a record high amid signs that performance in its Azure cloud-computing business is back on track.

Microsoft shares go from laggard to leader as AI growth improves — analysts

KUALA LUMPUR (May 29): Following a weaker than expected first quarter, investors of Axiata Group Bhd (KL:AXIATA) should brace for softer earnings ahead, with the completion of a merger by its Indonesian unit, analysts flagged.

Axiata may see more earnings weakness ahead after 1Q results, analysts flag

Roughly one month ago, from the stage at an investment forum in Saudi Arabia, US President Donald Trump issued a warning to Iran that would prove prophetic.

"We'll never allow America and its allies to be threatened with terrorism or nuclear attack," Trump told the crowd, sending a message to the leadership in Tehran.

Insight — How Trump, a self-proclaimed 'peacemaker', embraced Israel's campaign against Iran

The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has expressed disappointment and sadness with regard to the Federal Court's decision.

Selangor Sultan urges SIS to drop ‘Islam’ from name 

The Home Ministry (KDN) is reviewing various proposals to strengthen border security, including the construction of a wall along the Malaysia-Thailand border in Kelantan, which is deemed a high-risk area.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said border safety remains a top priority for the government, as such areas were frequently used for smuggling activities, particularly drugs, and might pose wider security threats if left unchecked.

Home Ministry reviews proposal to build wall along Kelantan-Thailand border

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he extended the June 19 deadline for China-based ByteDance to divest the US assets of short-video app TikTok for 90 more days.

Trump says signed order extending deadline for TikTok closing

man’s State Audit Institution (SAI) has expressed its intention to establish a strategic partnership with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to strengthen international cooperation in combating corruption and enhancing governance.

In a statement, the MACC said that the matter was conveyed by SAI deputy chairman for Audit on Authorities, Investment and Companies, Zahra Mohamed Al Lawati, during a courtesy call on MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on Thursday.

Oman Audit Institution seeks strategic collaboration with MACC

The Swiss and Norwegian central banks became the latest European rate-setters to ease monetary policy on Thursday, citing a weaker inflation outlook that contrasted sharply with the Federal Reserve's warnings about higher US prices.

The Bank of England kept rates on hold as expected, while flagging that they would remain on a "gradual downward path" in a finely balanced statement that also acknowledged "heightened unpredictability" in the global environment.

As war and tariffs fog the outlook, some central banks trim rates

European officials are increasingly resigned to a 10% rate on "reciprocal" tariffs being the baseline in any trade deal between the United States and the European Union, five sources familiar with the negotiations said.

EU increasingly resigned to 10% baseline tariff in US trade talks, European sources say

Here is a brief recap of Thursday’s top local business news and corporate announcements.

MSM, Malakoff, Astro, Cuckoo International, Oriental Kopi, Bank Islam, Ivory Properties, Petron Malaysia, Deleum, Advancecon, CTOS Digital, Infomina, Theta Edge, Agmo 

Flexidynamic Holdings Bhd (KL:FLEXI) said on Thursday it is acquiring a loss-making manufacturer of glove formers, Formtech Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd, for RM10.39 million.

Flexidynamic buys loss-making manufacturer of glove formers

Europe risks drifting into stagnation without urgent action to tackle slowing growth, weak investment and rising geopolitical threats, the International Monetary Fund warned.

IMF sounds stagnation alarm on eurozone economic growth

The country’s second waste-to-energy (WTE) plant&nbsp;costing RM660 million will be built in Sungai Udang, Melaka, and is expected to be fully operational by 2029.

Malaysia's second WTE plant costing RM660m to be built in Sungai Udang, Melaka, says Nga

Newly listed kopitiam chain operator Oriental Kopi Holdings Bhd (KL:KOPI) has entered into an agreement to acquire the premises it currently rents as its head office and warehousing facility in Puchong, Selangor, for RM23 million.

Oriental Kopi to acquire Puchong HQ and warehouse for RM23 mil

The government will review the implementation of the revision&nbsp;and expansion of the sales and service&nbsp;tax (SST) on several selected imported goods, including fruits such as apples and mandarin oranges, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

SST on imported goods including fruits may be reviewed, says Zahid

Shares of PPB Group Bhd (KL:PPB) fell below the RM10 mark on Thursday — a level last seen more than 16 years ago, on April 10, 2009.

Wilmar woes weigh on PPB, stock hits 16-year low

Living in a strata community is more than just sharing spaces — it involves common responsibilities, legal obligations and mutual understanding. A well-managed and harmonious strata community enhances quality of life and provides a support system in times of need. To achieve this, understanding t...

Strata Sense: The ins and outs of strata living — a legal perspective

The implementation of the diagnosis-related group (DRG) payment model in Malaysia is structurally negative for hospital operators due to its potential downward pressure on margins and hospitality, but the near-term impact will be minimal as the initial rollout will be confined to lower-value, lower-margin cases, like minor and mainstream illnesses, said CIMB Securities.

DRG: Long-term margin squeeze on private hospitals but near-term impact minimal; KPJ more vulnerable than IHH — CIMB Securities

IHG Hotels &amp; Resorts will open its first voco hotel in Malaysia, voco Kuching, next year.

IHG Hotels & Resorts to open first voco hotel in Malaysia next year

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given assurance that the government will not raise the price of RON95 petrol, even if there is a sharp increase in global crude oil prices due to geopolitical tensions involving Iran and Israel.

Govt won’t raise price of RON95 amid geopolitical tensions — Anwar

The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities has instructed for an immediate engagement session with palm oil industry players following concerns over the implementation of a 5% sales and service tax (SST) on the oleochemical sector starting next&nbsp;month.

Plantation ministry initiates urgent talks with palm oil industry over 5% SST on oleochemical sector

MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd (KL:MSM) expects the 5% sales and service tax (SST) on raw sugar to pressure input costs, which could in turn push up prices of refined sugar for industrial buyers.

MSM flags cost pressures from 5% SST on raw sugar; still in talks with govt on price mechanism

Cuckoo International (MAL) Bhd, which is set to be listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia on June 24, said its net profit for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 (1QFY2025) came in at RM27.86 million.

Cuckoo Malaysia reports RM27.9m 1Q net profit ahead of listing

Credit information provider CTOS Digital Bhd (KL:CTOS) has entered into a strategic partnership with Infomina Bhd (KL:INFOM), one of only four authorised service providers for Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM) data, to gain access to real-time corporate data.

CTOS partners Infomina to gain real-time access to SSM corporate data

Advancecon Holdings Bhd (KL:ADVCON) said the group has issued a notice of adjudication to China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCC) over a payment dispute relating to the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.

Advancecon initiates adjudication over ECRL project works payment dispute

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the expansion of the sales and service tax (SST) will have a limited impact on house prices.

Works minister says SST expansion will have minimal impact on house prices

Here is a brief recap of Thursday’s top local business news and corporate announcements.

US oil major Chevron has sought non-binding bids for the sale of its 50% stake in Singapore Refining Company (SRC), including from joint venture partner PetroChina, eight sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Chevron seeks buyers for 50% stake in Singapore refinery — Reuters

Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd (KL:ASTRO) said it will continue to invest in expanding its content offerings in lower subscription tiers and lowering entry pricing for Astro and its over-the-top platform sooka to grow its customer base, as it reported a 20.8% drop in its first quarter earnings.

Astro to continue to prioritise local content, affordable tiers as 1Q profit drops 21%

MBSB Bank Bhd (KL:MBSB) said it has teamed up with Bayo Pay to digitise payroll disbursement for Malaysia’s construction sector, offering contractors "a safer and more efficient alternative to cash-based wage payments".

MBSB Bank partners with Bayo Pay to digitalise construction sector payroll

Fitch Ratings has maintained its “neutral” outlook on Malaysia’s banking sector for 2025 while adjusting the outlooks for several Asia-Pacific countries amid trade war exposures.

Fitch keeps 'neutral' outlook on Malaysia's banking sector, revises outlooks for some Asian countries

Petron Malaysia Refining &amp; Marketing Bhd (KL:PETRONM) said it has been sued by its former transportation services provider over alleged negligent misrepresentation.

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