KUALA LUMPUR: MKH Oil Palm (East Kalimantan) Berhad, known as MKHOP, has successfully entered the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. The company’s stock, categorized under the plantation sector, is listed as MKHOP with the stock code 5319. Its initial share price opened at 63 sen, reflecting a 1.6% premium over the issue price of 62 sen, with an initial trading volume of 12,134,600 shares.
Tan Sri Dato’ Chen Kooi Chiew, the Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman of MKHOP, highlighted the significance of this milestone, emphasizing the company’s commitment to long-term growth. With proceeds of RM136.4 million from the IPO, MKHOP plans to expand its plantation estates, enhance operational efficiency, diversify product offerings, and invest in sustainability initiatives, including improving living conditions for its workforce and reducing reliance on diesel generators.
Given the current El Nino dry weather conditions affecting global CPO supply and supporting CPO prices, MKHOP is focusing on improving production efficiency to capitalize on favorable market conditions. The company expresses confidence in the long-term growth prospects of the oil palm industry, driven by global population growth and increasing demand for edible oils and fats.
MKHOP’s financial performance for the first six months of 2024 remained robust, with a net profit of RM26.5 million and revenue of RM168.4 million. The company also maintained healthy cash and bank balances of RM89.6 million as of March 31, 2024.
M & A Securities Sdn Bhd acted as the Adviser, Managing Underwriter, Joint Underwriter, and Joint Placement Agent for the IPO, with Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad and AmInvestment Bank Berhad serving as Joint Underwriter, Joint Placement Agent, and Joint Placement Agent, respectively.
