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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced a one-year delay in the implementation of e-invoicing for certain micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as part of measures to reduce cost pressures caused by the global energy crisis. The government said businesses with annual sales between RM1 million and RM5 million will now be given until Dec 31, 2027, to implement e-invoicing. During the extended period, affected companies will be allowed to issue consolidated e-invoices and will not face penalties. Anwar said the move is based on feedback received directly from MSMEs and is aimed at easing operational burdens while ensuring business continuity. In addition, the government will allocate RM5 billion under Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan (SJPP) to provide financing guarantees of up to 80% for businesses impacted by rising costs. The guarantee period will be up to 10 years and will cover sectors such as construction, agriculture, agri-food, logistics, transportation and tourism. The government is also considering import duty and sales tax exemptions until Dec 31 this year for reimported Malaysian goods that could not complete export processes due to disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. Anwar said the ongoing tensions in West Asia have created economic spillover effects, including supply disruptions, higher logistics and insurance costs, and continued pressure on business input prices. He added that the government remains committed to taking swift action based on industry feedback and will continue working with financial institutions and businesses to protect jobs, support companies and strengthen resilience against prolonged global uncertainty.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP) has strong potential to be developed into a strategic regional hub, including serving the southern Thailand market. He said direct international links from LTSIP to major cities such as Singapore, Jakarta and Bangkok could bring major economic benefits to Kelantan through increased trade, tourism and business activity. Speaking at the opening of the airport’s new terminal on Saturday, Anwar said better transport infrastructure would benefit local residents while supporting the country’s wider economic growth. “The potential in Kelantan should not be overlooked if we give it proper focus and attention,” he said. He also praised the close cooperation between the federal and Kelantan state governments in completing the RM440 million airport upgrade project, which also included runway extension works. Anwar said the project continued despite economic challenges because of its long-term strategic importance. He added that the completion of the airport should be seen as a starting point, with further efforts needed to maximise its potential in sectors such as trade, investment, transport, tourism and agriculture. The upgraded airport can now handle up to four million passengers annually, compared with 1.5 million previously. The terminal has expanded from 12,000 sq m to 36,000 sq m and now features more than 20 check-in counters, multi-storey parking, dedicated taxi lanes, a fire and rescue station, larger aircraft parking areas and a cashless operating system. Aircraft parking bays have increased to 11 from five, while parking capacity has grown to about 1,300 spaces from 350 previously.

Globetronics Technology Bhd has announced that its independent and non-executive director Datuk Puvanesan Subenthiran has resigned from the board, citing personal commitments. His resignation comes less than a year after joining the board on July 1, 2025. Puvanesan is also the executive chairman and group managing director of Privasia Technology Bhd (KL:PRIVA), which is listed on the ACE Market. According to Bursa Malaysia filings on Wednesday, his departure has led to a reshuffling of roles within Globetronics’ audit, nomination, and remuneration committees, where he previously served as chairman of the nomination and remuneration committee and a member of the audit committee. The group has seen several boardroom changes this year. In January, it appointed Ta Shun Dher as non-executive chairman, while executive chairman Liaw Way Gian was redesignated as an executive director. Earlier, Francis Leong Seng Wui, who joined the board following Globetronics’ RM45 million investment in Mpire Global Bhd (now Greentronics Technology Bhd), resigned in January. Independent director Ang Pei Gaik also stepped down on March 31 due to other commitments, and was later replaced by Yap Jia Thong. Globetronics shares were unchanged at 27.5 sen on Wednesday, valuing the group at RM196.6 million.

AmBank has rolled out Apple Pay support for its debit cardholders, with transactions now enabled on PayNet’s MyDebit network, allowing payments to be processed through Malaysia’s domestic payment infrastructure. The bank had previously introduced Apple Pay for credit cards, and this latest move extends the MyDebit users, making AmBank the first in Malaysia to support Apple Pay on the local debit network. Customers can use Apple Pay for in-store, in-app, and online purchases. In-store payments can be made using an iPhone or Apple Watch, while online and app transactions are supported on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Authentication is done באמצעות Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode, with each transaction secured by a unique dynamic security code. AmBank Group Managing Director of Retail Banking, Cheong Chee Wai, said the collaboration with PayNet enables the bank to deliver Apple Pay via Malaysia’s own MyDebit infrastructure, while maintaining a seamless and secure user experience. For security, actual card numbers are not stored on devices or Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is generated and securely stored in the device’s Secure Element chip. Customers can activate Apple Pay by adding their MyDebit card through Apple Wallet or the AmOnline app, and will continue to enjoy existing rewards and benefits. To promote adoption, AmBank is offering a limited-time cashback campaign, where eligible MyDebit users who complete three transactions of at least RM30 each within a month will receive RM30 cashback, on a first-come, first-served basis.

SkyeChip Bhd has appointed Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank IB) and CIMB Investment Bank Bhd (CIMB IB) as underwriters for its planned listing on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia. In a statement, the semiconductor design firm said it has entered into a retail underwriting agreement with both banks as part of its initial public offering (IPO) exercise. Maybank IB is also acting as the principal adviser, lead bookrunner and managing underwriter, while CIMB IB serves as joint bookrunner and joint underwriter. From left: Maybank IB deputy CEO Tengku Ariff Azhar Tengku Mohamed; CEO Michael Oh-Lau; global banking group CEO Datuk John Chong; SkyeChip non-independent executive director and CEO Datuk Fong Swee Kiang; non-independent executive director and chief technology officer Teh Chee Hak; and CIMB IB CEO and regional head of investment banking Nor Masliza Sulaiman. SkyeChip’s IPO will involve the issuance of 400 million new shares, representing 22.3% of its enlarged share capital. Of this, 264.67 million shares will be allocated to institutional investors, while 135.33 million shares will be offered to retail investors. No existing shares will be sold by current shareholders. Executive director and chief executive officer Datuk Fong Swee Kiang said the company’s IPO journey has been supported by its advisers, partners and the Malaysian government, which has played a key role in helping local semiconductor firms scale globally. The company plans to allocate about 60% of the IPO proceeds towards research and development of integrated circuit (IC) products and silicon intellectual property (IP). Another 16% will be used to expand its computing infrastructure and operational facilities, while 10% is earmarked for subscriptions and licensing of electronic design automation and development tools. The remaining funds will be utilised for working capital and to cover listing-related expenses. Fong added that the fundraising will support SkyeChip’s growth in high-value segments such as artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and autonomous vehicle applications, as it strengthens its position as a global IC design company.

ISF Group Bhd has secured four subcontracts for cold water and sanitary plumbing services with a combined value of RM22.48 million. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the group said the contracts were awarded to its wholly owned subsidiary, Yeo Plumber Sdn Bhd, on Monday. The scope of works includes the supply, installation, testing and maintenance of plumbing systems. Two of the subcontracts, valued at RM11.95 million and RM1.85 million, were awarded by CITIC Construction (M) Sdn Bhd for a service apartment project integrated with a private hospital. These projects are scheduled for completion by May 21, 2027 and Aug 21, 2028, respectively. Another subcontract worth RM5.7 million was awarded by Pamir Development Sdn Bhd for plumbing works at a service apartment development, with completion targeted for Dec 21, 2028. The fourth subcontract, valued at RM2.98 million, involves plumbing works for a data centre project. It was awarded by an undisclosed client engaged in construction, property development, real estate investment and project management. The project is expected to be completed by Dec 31, 2026. The client’s identity remains confidential due to contractual obligations. ISF said the contracts are expected to contribute positively to the group’s earnings over the duration of the projects, further strengthening its order book and providing earnings visibility in the coming years. On the market front, ISF shares closed half a sen, or 1.11%, lower at 44.5 sen, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM445 million. Despite the dip, the stock remains up 34.8% from its listing price of 33 sen on Jan 28.

Poh Kong Holdings Bhd has appointed Poh Ying Loo as an independent and non-executive director, effective April 13, 2026. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the jewellery retailer said Poh, 64, brings over 35 years of experience spanning auditing, manufacturing, trading and retail industries. He began his career in 1986 as an auditor with Ong Boon Bah & Co before moving on to roles in several companies, including FACB Industries Inc Bhd and CPC/AJI (M) Sdn Bhd, where he served as a senior accountant. Poh later joined AEON Co (M) Bhd in 1996 as a finance manager and steadily rose through the ranks to become chief financial officer and executive director. In that role, he was responsible for overseeing corporate management, operations and business strategy. He retired from AEON in June 2020. Currently, Poh serves on the boards of Berjaya Sports Toto Bhd and MST Golf Group Bhd.

Computer infrastructure firm Pentech Holdings Bhd has entered into an underwriting agreement with Public Investment Bank Bhd for its upcoming initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market. Under the agreement, Public Investment Bank will underwrite approximately 62 million shares, representing 10% of Pentech’s enlarged share capital. This covers shares allocated to the Malaysian public as well as the “pink form” tranche for eligible parties. Pentech managing director and chief executive officer Yeoh Chin Ming said the agreement marks an important milestone in the company’s listing journey and reflects confidence in its business prospects. He added that the timing is favourable, as the group is well-positioned to capitalise on growth opportunities within Malaysia’s ICT sector. Based in Penang, Pentech specialises in enterprise ICT infrastructure, including systems integration, hardware and software supply, as well as cloud and related services. In the financial year ended Dec 31, 2024, more than half of the company’s revenue was derived from systems integration projects involving enterprise data centres, network infrastructure and security systems. Pentech recorded a net profit of nearly RM10 million on revenue of RM188.94 million for the year. Following the IPO, Yeoh is expected to retain joint control of about 60% of the company through Evernorth Capital Sdn Bhd, together with chief sales officer Ho Huang Ken and business development director Toh Say Yee. Public Investment Bank is acting as principal adviser, sponsor, sole underwriter and sole placement agent for the IPO.

Big Caring Group Bhd is stepping up its use of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) across its supply chain as it prepares for a Main Market listing on Bursa Malaysia. The retail pharmacy and healthcare group recently unveiled a new distribution centre in Klang, along with a centralised corporate headquarters. Strategically located near Port Klang, the facility is expected to strengthen logistics efficiency and support nationwide distribution. The group had earlier filed its draft prospectus, with a significant portion of IPO proceeds earmarked to reduce its RM1.3 billion borrowings and fund an automated distribution centre. Executive director Lim Sin Yin said the move towards automation was shaped by lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, which highlighted weaknesses in traditional operating models during periods of volatile demand and supply chain disruptions. The new facility integrates robotics, warehouse control systems, and inventory management into a unified ecosystem, improving coordination and operational visibility. This has led to a 76.5% boost in efficiency and 99.8% accuracy in operations. Lim added that AI now plays a key role in demand forecasting and inventory planning, analysing real-time sales data to anticipate shifts and optimise stock levels. On the operational side, more than 160 robots and 700 racks support faster fulfilment and higher storage capacity, while reducing manual workload for staff. The centralised headquarters complements the distribution centre by bringing teams together to improve collaboration and speed up decision-making. Big Caring currently operates over 600 pharmacy outlets nationwide under brands such as BIG Pharmacy, CARiNG Pharmacy, Georgetown Pharmacy, Wellings, and Ting Pharmacy. It also connects with more than 5,000 healthcare partners, including hospitals and clinics, while processing over 90,000 order lines daily. Founded in 2006 by husband-and-wife pharmacists Lee Meng Chuan and Lim, the group has expanded through organic growth and acquisitions, including RedCap Pharmacy, My Pharmacy, and CARiNG Pharmacy. Under its planned IPO, Big Caring aims to offer up to 1.88 billion shares, with proceeds supporting expansion plans of 40 to 50 new outlets annually over the next three to five years. The new Klang facility will play a key role as its existing Bukit Raja centre approaches full capacity. For the financial year ended June 30, 2025, the group recorded a net profit of RM143.02 million on revenue of RM3.41 billion, with same-store sales growth rising to 9.6% from 7.3% a year earlier.

The government has allocated up to RM5 billion in low-cost financing to support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), according to Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim. Sim said the loans, offered at interest rates between 3% and 5%, are aimed at helping businesses upgrade operations, adopt automation, and transition դեպի more sustainable practices. The funding forms part of a broader push to strengthen SMEs amid increasing global uncertainties and economic shifts. Speaking at the launch of Heritage Brands of Penang, a publication by the Penang Institute highlighting long-standing businesses, Sim introduced the PowerUp10K campaign as a key initiative for the year. Under this campaign, the government aims to disburse up to RM15 billion in low-cost financing in 2026, up from RM10 billion last year. The initiative targets supporting 10,000 businesses, with at least RM100 million allocated to train up to 100,000 entrepreneurs. As of February, RM2 billion in financing has already been approved under the programme. Sim noted that Penang is well-positioned to benefit, given its strong presence in the semiconductor sector and its history of innovation. He highlighted heritage brand Ghee Hiang as an example of business evolution—from producing traditional tau sar pneah (Tambun biscuits) to exporting sesame oil, and now exploring health supplements using its oil’s properties. He encouraged Penang businesses to tap into the available support to sustain growth over the next 50 to 100 years.