Forex

MUFG sees ringgit strengthening to 3.70 by end-2026

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit's appreciation cycle is likely to remain durable, with MUFG Bank projecting the US dollar-ringgit pair to trend towards 3.7000 by end-2026, supported by structural economic strengths and improving capital flows.

Corporate News

BMS Holdings stays cautiously optimistic for FY26

KUALA LUMPUR: BMS Holdings Bhd remains cautiously optimistic about its prospects for the remainder of the financial year ending June 30, 2026 (FY26).

Banking

PUC receives conditional LFSA approval for Labuan banking licence

KUALA LUMPUR: PUC Bhd has received conditional approval from the Labuan Financial Services Authority (LFSA) for a licence to undertake Labuan investment banking business.

Corporate News

P.A. Resources records higher 2Q revenue

PETALING JAYA: P.A. Resources Bhd has posted a lower profit of RM3.43mil for the second quarter ended Dec 31, 2025 compared to the RM10.05mil for the same quarter a year ago.

Corporate News

Johor Plantations' net profit rises 34%to RM345mil in FY25

KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Plantations Group Bhd's net profit rose by 34.1 per cent to RM345.02 million in the financial year ended Dec 31, 2025 (FY2025), from RM257.32 million in FY2024.

Technology

DayOne opens Johor training centre, expands KL shared services hub

KUALA LUMPUR: DayOne Data Centers (DayOne) has announced the establishment of a regional operations and training centre in Johor, alongside the expansion of its Global Shared Services Center (GSSC) in Kuala Lumpur.

Corporate News

Betamek’s 3Q profit jumps 90%, declares 1.25 sen dividend

KUALA LUMPUR: Betamek Bhd, which saw its net profit surge nearly 90% in the third quarter ended Dec 31, 2025 (3Q26), remains well positioned to benefit from Malaysia's resilient automotive market, rising electronics content per vehicle and the ongoing transition towards electric and smart mobility.

Corporate News

Hextar Industries buys 51% stake in llaollao operator for RM177.5mil

PETALING JAYA: Hextar Industries Bhd (HIB) is acquiring a 51% stake in food and beverage (F&B) company Woodpeckers Group Sdn Bhd for RM177.48mil.

Corporate News

Ringgit hits near eight-year high of 3.89 vs US dollar

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit climbed to a fresh high of 3.8995 against the US dollar on Thursday, hovering near its strongest level in almost eight years.

Corporate News

Oriental Kopi acquires land in Selangor for RM23mil

PETALING JAYA: Oriental Kopi Holdings Bhd, via its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary Oriental Coffee International Sdn Bhd, is acquiring a parcel of leasehold land in Puchong, Selangor from Icon Facade Sdn Bhd for RM23mil.

Corporate News

TNB, PKNS partner to develop district cooling system in Shah Alam

KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS) have formalised a strategic collaboration to develop and operate a District Cooling System in Seksyen 14, Shah Alam.

Banking

MBSB Bank allocates RM1bil to support rail SMEs through Maric collaboration

KUALA LUMPUR: MBSB Bank has earmarked up to RM1 billion in financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the rail sector, under a strategic collaboration with the Malaysia Rail Industry Corporation (MARIC) to strengthen Malaysia's rail industry ecosystem.

Corporate News

Critical Holdings wins RM35mil cleanroom contract

PETALING JAYA: Critical Holdings Bhd has been awarded a contract worth RM34.97mil to undertake the design and build, testing and commissioning of a new cleanroom production floor at a manufacturing plant in Batu Kawan Industrial Zone in Penang.

Corporate News

Infraharta wins RM11.4mil construction job

PETALING JAYA: Infraharta Holdings Bhd has accepted a letter of award from Synergy Goldtree Sdn Bhd to undertake sub-contract works for a health clinic (Type 3) and dental specialist centre at Precinct 6, Putrajaya, worth RM11.42mil.

Markets

FBM KLCI edges lower on profit-taking despite firmer ringgit

KUALA LUMPUR: The local bourse slipped on Thursday amid profit-taking in banking counters, even as the ringgit strengthened to its highest level against the US dollar since April 2018.

Energy

Oil prices rise on concerns about US-Iran tensions

BEIJING: Oil prices edged up on Thursday morning as investors worried about escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, and fears that any attacks on Tehran or shipping could lead to supply disruptions.

Economy

Malaysia records historic RM1.76bil sales at Gulfood 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) said Malaysia's participation in the 31st edition of Gulfood generated RM1.76bil in export sales, surpassing its initial target of RM1.5bil.

Markets

AI chip rally lifts South Korea to record highs; Singapore crosses 5,000 milestone

SOUTH KOREAN shares hit a record on Thursday on strong chip demand tied to global AI expansion, while Singapore stocks crossed 5,000 for the first time as investors rotated into diversified non-tech plays in Asia.

Commodities

Gold edges lower on firmer dollar after strong US jobs data

GOLD prices dipped on Thursday as the U.S. dollar firmed after stronger-than-expected January jobs data dented expectation for near-term interest rate cuts, while investors awaited inflation data due on Friday for more monetary policy cues.

Corporate News

Cili Kampung acquires 50% stake in Dotty’s for RM23.9mil

KUALA LUMPUR: Cili Kampung Malaysia has acquired a 50% stake in Dotty's Pastries & Coffee Sdn Bhd for RM23.9mil, marking a strategic consolidation in Malaysia's food and beverage (F&B) sector as both brands gear up for nationwide growth.