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Nestlé (Malaysia) Bhd has seen its sales return to pre-boycott levels, according to local research houses, supported by festive spending and disciplined cost management. Kenanga Research said the company’s revenue is now largely back to levels seen before the boycott impact, though part of the recovery has been driven by earlier price increases to offset higher commodity costs. The firm expects profit margins to stay below 2023 levels in the near term due to renewed cost pressures, but sees gradual improvement ahead as efficiencies and higher volumes kick in. Nestlé Malaysia reported first-quarter sales for the period ended March 31, 2026, of RM1.88 billion, up 6.3% year-on-year. Domestic sales rose 7.4%, while exports grew 2.5%. Chief executive officer Juan Aranols said performance was supported by consistent execution across channels and disciplined cost control. He noted that despite a volatile operating environment in 2026, the group remains confident in its fundamentals and ability to maintain continuity. He added that Nestlé’s broad portfolio, strong local manufacturing base, and extensive distribution network continue to support resilience in a challenging environment. The company recorded pre-tax profit of RM271.9 million and net profit of RM205.1 million for the quarter. The improved earnings were driven by stronger sales during festive periods such as Chinese New Year and Ramadan/Aidilfitri, cost discipline, operational efficiencies, and lower commodity prices for inputs like coffee and cocoa. Analysts offered mixed views on the outlook. RHB Research maintained an optimistic stance, citing improving consumer sentiment, supportive fiscal measures, and cost discipline as factors supporting a “sustained resurgence.” It said Nestlé’s scale and global network could help cushion geopolitical and supply chain risks. MBSB Research, however, was more cautious, saying the strong first-quarter performance may not be sustained throughout the year. It warned that rising freight, packaging, and commodity costs, along with geopolitical tensions, could pressure margins from the second quarter of 2026 onwards due to inventory lag effects. Despite this, it acknowledged that Nestlé’s strong market position and efficiency initiatives should help limit volatility. The firm kept a “neutral” rating with a target price of RM95.70, citing fair valuations. Hong Leong Investment Bank Research described the results as solid, with core profit after tax rising 9.4% year-on-year to RM188.3 million, representing 31% of full-year forecasts. It maintained a “buy” call with a higher target price of RM135, citing strong fundamentals and supply chain initiatives such as Farmer Connect. The differing target prices reflect varying views on Nestlé’s ability to manage macroeconomic risks, including geopolitical tensions and commodity volatility. However, analysts agree that demand for staple food products remains resilient, supported by stable employment and wage growth. Nestlé said its diversified portfolio, strong manufacturing footprint, and supply chain capabilities continue to support its outlook for another year of stable performance despite ongoing global uncertainty.

CelcomDigi Bhd, Maxis Bhd and YTL Communications Sdn Bhd have each injected an additional RM202 million shareholder advance into Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) to support its operations, including spectrum acquisition. YTL Communications is a 60%-owned unit of YTL Power International Bhd. According to bourse filings by CelcomDigi and Maxis on Wednesday, the latest injection was made at the request of the state-owned 5G wholesale network operator. With this latest injection, each of the three telcos’ total shareholder advances and additional shareholder advances to DNB now stands at RM551.9 million, representing a 22.94% interest based on DNB’s issued share capital and shareholder advances. Ministry of Finance Inc (MoF Inc), which currently holds RM500.1 million of DNB’s issued share capital and has provided RM250.2 million in shareholder advances, has a 31.18% interest. MoF Inc was excluded from participating in this round after exercising its put option on Dec 1, 2025, with CelcomDigi, Maxis and YTL having fully paid the option price. According to CelcomDigi’s filing, the additional funds will be used to pay upfront spectrum fees as part of the spectrum acceptance, as well as to meet working capital requirements. The additional shareholder advance carries no interest and is not repayable on demand. It will only be repaid when agreed by DNB and subject to compliance with applicable covenants, CelcomDigi said. The advance may also be treated as prepayments under the access agreement between a CelcomDigi-related corporation and DNB, subject to the terms of the shareholders’ agreement. DNB, a special-purpose vehicle under the Ministry of Finance, was initially established to deploy 5G infrastructure and serve as the sole provider of wholesale 5G services to telcos. However, the government later opted for a dual wholesale network model, under which U Mobile was appointed in November 2024 to deploy the second 5G network. Shares in CelcomDigi rose four sen or 1.4% to RM2.39 on Wednesday, giving it a market capitalisation of RM35.1 billion. Maxis shares fell four sen or 1.1% to RM3.50, valuing the group at RM27.4 billion.

U Mobile, Malaysia’s newest 5G network provider, has partnered with Pavilion Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) to enable seamless 5G in-building coverage across some of Kuala Lumpur’s most high-traffic commercial and lifestyle destinations. The partnership is aimed to enhance the overall indoor connectivity to support smarter building operations and complements the broader 5G infrastructure within the properties. The rollout will cover Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Pavilion Tower, Pavilion Elite, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, The Intermark and Pavilion Bukit Jalil, spanning some of the city’s busiest retail, commercial and hospitality spaces. Together, these properties see high daily footfall, making reliable indoor connectivity increasingly important for both businesses and visitors. Under the partnership, U Mobile will deploy and manage its 5G-Advanced (5G-A) in-building coverage (IBC) system across these properties, improving network performance across high-traffic retail, office and hospitality environments where reliable connectivity is critical to day-to-day operations. The system is designed to support multiple mobile network operators, helping ensure that tenants, businesses and visitors experience more consistent indoor coverage, regardless of their service provider. This is particularly important in large, high-density buildings where network performance is often challenged. As part of the deployment, U Mobile will also be collaborating with Pavilion REIT to explore 5G-A use cases to support the digitalisation of their building operations. This allows systems such as security monitoring, smart sensors and parking solutions to run reliably, even during peak hours, helping Pavilion REIT operate its properties more efficiently while supporting a more seamless experience for tenants and visitors. For the public, this means better indoor connectivity whether shopping, working or staying in these properties, along with smoother digital experiences such as navigation, payments and real-time services throughout the buildings, no matter which floor they are on. The deployment reflects a growing need for networks that can support both connectivity and the systems that power modern buildings. Woon Ooi Yuen, Chief Technology Officer of U Mobile, said: “U Mobile’s approach to ULTRA5G deployment goes beyond just outdoor coverage. We also believe in prioritising deep in-building coverage to ensure that customers experience seamless, high-performance connectivity wherever they are whether indoors or outdoors. This allows us to support not just everyday usage, but also more advanced, business-critical applications that require consistency, reliability and scale.” Dato’ Phillip Ho, CEO of Pavilion REIT, said: “At Pavilion REIT, we are committed to continuously enhancing the quality of our properties through technology that improves both operational efficiency and the overall visitor experience. This collaboration with U Mobile supports our efforts to strengthen in-building connectivity across our assets, complementing the broader 5G ecosystem within our properties. By enabling more reliable indoor coverage, we are better positioned to support the evolving needs of our tenants, business partners and visitors, while advancing smarter and more responsive building operations.” This partnership is focused on improving the everyday experience for people, with more reliable connectivity and smoother digital services across some of Kuala Lumpur’s busiest spaces.

Atlas Copco Group has made an 8-figure investment in a new headquarters and integrated facility in Alam Impian, Shah Alam, as part of its expansion plans in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. The new facility, built on a 1.21-hectare site, will serve as a central hub for the group’s operations in Malaysia and the region. It will also support key business functions, including a regional shared finance services centre. Atlas Copco Malaysia and Singapore general manager of Compressor Technique Business Area, Khalid Shaikh, said the investment reflects the group’s long-term commitment to Malaysia since establishing its presence in the country in 1982. He said the new hub will also coordinate operations across the company’s sites in Kuantan, Penang and Johor, helping improve efficiency and regional integration. Khalid said Atlas Copco began operations in Malaysia with just 10 employees and has since grown to more than 250 staff nationwide. He added that the Shah Alam location was selected due to its close proximity to industrial zones, Port Klang, Kuala Lumpur, major highways and the upcoming LRT3 line. The company plans to hire an additional 80 to 100 employees over the next five years, mainly in service, sales and marketing roles. Khalid also noted that ongoing global geopolitical shifts are creating opportunities for foreign investors to expand into Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia. Meanwhile, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Selangor director Sherulanuar Abd Karim said the investment supports Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030, which aims to strengthen higher-value industries and enhance the country’s industrial ecosystem.

Maxim E-hailing Malaysia has signed a strategic partnership with Zlata, an insurance agency under the Sejamas Group, to expand insurance coverage among e-hailing drivers nationwide. The collaboration is part of Maxim’s ongoing efforts to strengthen driver protection by improving access to insurance solutions tailored for the gig mobility sector. The insurance policies available through this partnership are specifically designed to protect drivers during e-hailing trips. Coverage includes incidents that occur while heading to pick up a passenger, during the ride, or when completing an order. In the event of an accident, driver injury, or vehicle damage linked to e-hailing activity, the driver receives compensation, avoiding out-of-pocket expenses that could amount to thousands of ringgit. Beyond sales, Zlata will serve as a single support hub: coordinating towing services, preparing documents for insurance claims, and liaising with insurers to minimise vehicle downtime after an accident. To further improve accessibility, Zlata has introduced a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) scheme, enabling drivers to obtain coverage without the need for full upfront payment, making insurance more affordable for the platform’s driver-partners. In addition, each driver who purchases a policy through the partnership receives a complimentary car battery with warranty coverage. The average battery lifespan under intensive e-hailing usage is 18–24 months, which corresponds to a mileage of 50,000–70,000 km. This support reduces the driver’s annual expenses by 200–400 ringgit. The battery is professionally installed by trained technicians, eliminating downtime due to incorrect fitting. “Driver safety and well-being remain our top priority. This partnership allows us to work with an experienced insurance provider to offer more flexible and relevant solutions that better align with the realities of gig work,” said Mushfique Ahmed Chowdhury, Head of Legal Compliance & Government Relations, Maxim E-hailing Malaysia. Both Maxim and Zlata are also exploring targeted outreach and educational efforts to improve driver awareness and understanding of insurance benefits.

UOB is seeing stronger growth in Southeast Asia following its integration of Citi’s retail banking businesses across four markets, according to a report by The Business Times. At its annual general meeting, Deputy Chairman and CEO Wee Ee Cheong said the S$4.9 billion acquisition, announced in 2022, is now contributing more clearly to the bank’s regional retail expansion after a multi-year integration process. The deal covered Citi’s retail banking operations in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. UOB said the integration has strengthened its regional presence, with the bank now serving more than 8.5 million customers across ASEAN. The completion of the Vietnam integration marked the final step in the regional rollout. Wee said UOB will continue investing in infrastructure and technology to further develop its retail banking platform across Southeast Asia, noting that each market requires a tailored approach due to differences in customer needs and local conditions. UOB’s ASEAN-4 segment — Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam — recorded 5% income growth for the year ended Dec 31, 2025, outperforming the wider group, which saw a 3% decline in total income. The bank said its retail strategy will focus on deeper customer relationships through wealth solutions, advisory services and ongoing digital upgrades.

More than 70% of Malaysia’s biodiesel blending depots are ready to implement the B15 biodiesel programme using existing facilities, following the government’s plan to gradually increase the biodiesel blend. Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the government has conducted meetings and site visits to assess readiness for the rollout. He said inspections by the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities found that more than 70% of blending depots nationwide are prepared to support B15 implementation without major infrastructure changes. “Operational adjustments are being developed by blending depots to ensure efficiency and the security of petroleum product supply to consumers,” he said during a briefing on the global supply situation. Akmal Nasrullah added that he and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad had visited facilities in the Klang Valley, including the Klang Valley Distribution Terminal and a biodiesel plant in Pulau Indah, Klang, to review operational readiness. He said the visit highlighted the need to view energy planning more broadly, linking it to energy security, commodity strength, logistics efficiency and supply chain resilience. Following the government’s decision to raise the biodiesel blend from B10 to B15 (starting with B12), the Economy Ministry and Plantation and Commodities Ministry are coordinating with stakeholders to implement the transition. The move is aimed at strengthening diesel supply security amid global disruptions, reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports, and supporting Malaysia’s shift towards cleaner energy and economic restructuring.

Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) will relocate its head office from Menara Maybank in Jalan Tun Perak to Menara Merdeka 118 effective May 6, 2026. In a statement, the bank said it will occupy 33 floors at the new premises, which will house approximately 7,000 employees. The new headquarters will also feature a dedicated entrance for employees, customers and visitors. Maybank added that several of its subsidiaries, including Maybank Islamic Bhd and Maybank Investment Bank Bhd, will also move to the new headquarters on a staggered basis. Following the relocation, Maybank’s new registered address will be Level 70, Menara Merdeka 118, Presint Merdeka 118, 50118 Kuala Lumpur. The bank said its Kuala Lumpur main branch at Menara Maybank will continue operations as usual, with no disruption to customers holding accounts there until further notice.

Weixin today held its first-ever Open Class in Malaysia, bringing together over 200 local merchants, service providers and industry representatives in Kuala Lumpur to explore how the Weixin ecosystem — comprising Mini Programs and Weixin Pay — can help Malaysian businesses better serve the growing wave of Chinese visitors, unlock new digital growth opportunities, and contribute to the success of Visit Malaysia 2026. Opening Presentation by Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director of Tourism Malaysia. At the event, Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director of Tourism Malaysia, shared that Chinese visitor arrivals to Malaysia have maintained strong growth momentum for four consecutive years. In January and February 2026 alone, the number of Chinese visitors exceeded 1.03 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 27%. For merchants, integrating digital experiences that Chinese visitors are accustomed to, such as payment methods and Mini Programs, is becoming increasingly important. In the latest cross-border data released by Weixin for the 2026 Chinese New Year period, Malaysia ranked among the top five global destinations for Weixin Pay offline transaction volume. Offline transaction value in Malaysia recorded a 131% year-on-year increase, while Mini Program transaction value grew over 140%. The positive growth reflects increased tourism demand with the launch of the nation’s Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. The momentum also stemmed from a strong recovery in cross-border tourism between Malaysia and China, following the mutual visa-free policy between the two countries that took effect in July 2025 and saw over four million Chinese visitors travelling to Malaysia last year. Tourism Malaysia, which signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with Weixin Pay in January 2026, is targeting to welcome 47 million visitor arrivals for Visit Malaysia 2026. Weixin Mini Program Transaction Grows 140% YoY; AirAsia, KLIA Ekspres and Gokoo Among Ecosystem Partners A growing number of Malaysian enterprises have moved to establish their presence within the Weixin ecosystem. AirAsia, Southeast Asia’s largest low-cost carrier, has launched a Weixin Mini Program for flight bookings, enabling Chinese passengers to search, book and pay entirely within the Weixin app without downloading a separate app. KLIA Ekspres, the express rail link connecting Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the city centre, has integrated Weixin Pay and Mini Program, providing arriving Chinese tourists with a seamless first-mile transit experience. Multiple premium hotels in Malaysia now offer commission-free direct bookings through Mini Programs, while merchants across the country — from shopping malls to night market stalls — are leveraging preferential exchange rate voucher tools introduced by Weixin Pay to increase average transaction values and drive social sharing among Chinese visitors. Millions of Merchants Connected to Weixin Ecosystem via PayNet On the payments infrastructure side, Malaysia’s national payments network PayNet has fully integrated DuitNow QR with Weixin Pay, enabling over three million DuitNow QR touchpoints to accept payments from Chinese visitors without additional setup or cost. The event also featured Gokoo, a Southeast Asian lifestyle services platform that launched in Kuala Lumpur in December 2025. Built on the Weixin Mini Program framework, Gokoo offers food delivery, restaurant bookings, hotel reservations and home services to visitors and local users. The platform currently operates across eight countries with more than one million total transactions, demonstrating the versatility of the Mini Program model beyond serving inbound visitors. Weixin Mini Programs currently serve over 1.1 billion monthly active users. In 2025, the Mini Program ecosystem expanded to cover 100 countries and regions across 108 industry verticals, with cross-border transaction value growing over 70% year on year. The Weixin Open Class Malaysia session marks the latest step in Weixin’s ongoing efforts to support international partners and help local businesses connect with Chinese consumers through digital tools.

Tune Talk is adding a lifestyle feature to its mobile platform with the launch of Tune Talk NOVA, a new astrology subscription service now available in the Tune Talk App. The feature offers users both Western and Chinese zodiac readings, providing personalised AI-powered daily forecasts alongside their usual mobile services. With Tune Talk NOVA, subscribers can enjoy daily, monthly and yearly horoscope readings, zodiac profiles, compatibility insights and shareable astrology content. The service is designed to give users a fun and engaging way to check their daily outlook or explore compatibility with friends. Tune Talk said demand for astrology and horoscope content continues to grow across the Asia-Pacific region, especially among Millennials and Gen Z users who prefer mobile-first digital experiences. To celebrate the launch, first-time monthly subscribers will receive one month of full NOVA access for free via auto-renewal. Charges will only begin from the second month onward, and users can cancel within the first 30 days to avoid fees. NOVA passes start from RM5 for one-day access, while monthly passes begin at RM8 depending on eligibility. The feature is free for Epik+ 50 subscribers. Epik+ 35 and Epik+ 50 users can also earn 100 Tune Talk Points by checking their horoscope readings for three consecutive days. Tune Talk co-founder and chief executive officer Gurtaj Singh Padda said users are increasingly looking for personalised digital experiences that go beyond core mobile services. He added that Tune Talk NOVA is designed to meet that demand by offering a simple value-added feature that fits into users’ daily routines.