Malaysia

Property

IGB REIT to Acquire Mid Valley Southkey Mall in RM2.65 Billion Deal

KUALA LUMPUR: IGB Real Estate Investment Trust (IGB REIT) has announced its intention to acquire The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey (MVS Mall) in Johor Bahru for RM2.65 billion, marking a significant expansion of its retail property portfolio. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, IGB REIT stated that the acquisition will be undertaken by MTrustee Bhd, acting as trustee for and on behalf of IGB REIT, from Southkey Megamall Sdn Bhd. The proposed transaction encompasses the five-storey MVS Mall, which includes a mezzanine floor, an eight-storey standalone car park and two underground parking levels, along with all operating assets, lease agreements, key contracts and related components. The consideration of RM2.65 billion will be satisfied through a combination of RM1 billion in cash and RM1.65 billion via a new issuance of IGB REIT units. The acquisition is not expected to have a material effect on IGB REIT’s revenue, earnings per unit or distributable income for the financial year ending 31 December 2025, as the completion of the deal is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025. In a separate statement, IGB REIT said the addition of MVS Mall will strengthen its portfolio by contributing stable recurring income and offering potential for long-term growth. The mall is strategically located within the Mid Valley Southkey integrated development, a prominent economic zone in Johor Bahru. MVS Mall boasts a robust tenant mix that includes anchor tenants such as Sogo, Village Grocer, Golden Screen Cinemas, Aurum Theatre and MVEC Exhibition Hall. -Bernama

News

Uni Wall Secures RM89.64 Million Pavilion Damansara Heights Facade Contract

Uni Wall Aps Holdings Bhd has announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Uni Wall Facade Sdn Bhd, has been awarded a contract valued at RM89.64 million for facade works at Pavilion Damansara Heights. According to a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the award was granted by BUCG (M) Sdn Bhd. The scope of the contract includes the design, supply, fabrication and installation of facade elements, specifically aluminium and glass works. The project is scheduled to commence on 15 April 2025 and is expected to be completed within a 40-month timeframe. Uni Wall stated that the contract is anticipated to contribute positively to the group’s earnings throughout its duration. The company also confirmed that the project will not affect its share capital or the shareholdings of its major shareholders. -Bernama

News

UOB Malaysia Prices RM750 Million Sukuk Amid Overwhelming Demand

United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd (UOB Malaysia) has successfully priced a RM750 million issuance under its existing RM5 billion Sukuk Wakalah Programme, marking a significant development in its funding strategy and reinforcing investor confidence in its long-term prospects. In an official statement, the bank confirmed that the Basel III-compliant Tier 2 subordinated Islamic medium-term notes (Tier 2 Sukuk Wakalah) were priced on 19 June at a profit rate of 3.85% per annum. This reflects a 36 basis point spread over the seven-year Malaysian Government Securities (MGS) benchmark. The sukuk, which carries an AA1 rating by RAM Ratings, is scheduled for issuance on 3 July 2025 and will mature on 3 July 2037. An optional redemption date has been set for 2 July 2032. Initially targeting RM500 million, the offering was upsized to RM750 million in response to robust demand from a broad base of more than 20 institutional investors. The investor mix included insurance companies, fund managers, government-linked investment entities, as well as domestic and international banks and private banking institutions. Ng Wei Wei, Chief Executive Officer of UOB Malaysia, stated that the upsizing of the sukuk issuance underscores market confidence in the bank’s credit fundamentals and strategic direction. “This transaction also demonstrates the depth and maturity of Malaysia’s Islamic debt capital market, which continues to draw strong interest from a wide range of quality investors,” she said. “It reflects both the resilience of the country’s financial ecosystem and the strength of its economic fundamentals.” UOB Malaysia and CIMB Investment Bank acted as joint lead managers for the issuance. -The Edge

News

UEM Sunrise Ends Data Centre Plans in Gerbang Nusajaya, Eyes Land Sale

UEM Sunrise Bhd has officially shelved its plans to develop a data centre on a 74-acre plot in Gerbang Nusajaya, following the collapse of a partnership with Logos Infrastructure Holdco Pte Ltd. The company is now in early discussions to divest the land as part of its strategy to monetise non-core assets. The development comes after the lapse of an agreement with Logos, which was originally intended to see the construction of a data centre with a capacity of up to 360 megawatts. Hafizuddin Sulaiman, officer in charge and chief financial officer of UEM Sunrise, confirmed via email that changes in Logos’ ownership and strategic direction had led to the termination of the collaboration. In July 2024, ESR Group Ltd, the majority shareholder of Logos, acquired the remaining 13.6% stake from the company’s founders, prompting a realignment of business priorities. “The partnership with Logos has lapsed following a change in Logos’ ownership, which led to a shift in its overall business focus and strategic direction,” Hafizuddin stated. He did not specify when the May 2024 agreement had formally expired. Speculation surrounding the deal’s cancellation first emerged in May 2025, after analysts reported that the agreement had been scrapped, with UEM Sunrise citing an “unfavourable operating environment”. Hafizuddin added that the company has received preliminary expressions of interest for the land and is currently in discussions with several potential buyers. “At this stage, no binding agreements have been formalised. Any material developments will be disclosed in accordance with regulatory requirements,” he said. In the financial year ended 31 December 2024, UEM Sunrise executed several portfolio rationalisation measures. These included the disposal of its remaining 40% interest in Aura Muhibah Sdn Bhd to KLK Land Sdn Bhd for RM386.2 million, as well as the sale of a land parcel in East Ledang to a global data centre operator for RM144.9 million. The company launched six projects in 2024 with a total gross development value (GDV) of RM904.3 million, surpassing its initial RM800 million target, according to its annual report. As at end-December 2024, UEM Sunrise’s remaining landbank amounted to 5,197.9 acres, carrying an estimated GDV of RM90.9 billion. Shares of UEM Sunrise closed 1.46% higher on Tuesday, rising one sen to 69.5 sen, with approximately nine million shares traded. This brought the company’s market capitalisation to RM3.52 billion. -The Edge

Property

SD Guthrie and MBINS to Develop RM1 Billion Port Dickson Free Zone

SD Guthrie Bhd and Menteri Besar Incorporated Negeri Sembilan (MBINS) have formalised a strategic collaboration to develop the Port Dickson Free Zone (PDFZ), a major industrial development spanning 242.8 hectares in Pasir Panjang, Port Dickson. The project, which carries a projected gross development value (GDV) exceeding RM1 billion, marks a significant milestone in Negeri Sembilan’s long-term industrial and economic agenda. Situated in Ladang Sengkang on land owned by SD Guthrie, PDFZ is expected to serve as a critical component in the region’s transformation into a high-tech industrial and logistics hub. Infrastructure works are anticipated to commence in the second quarter of 2026, following the establishment of a joint venture entity and the finalisation of the master plan in the first quarter of the same year. Negeri Sembilan Mentri Besar, Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, stated that the free zone will be constructed directly opposite the upcoming Midport Smart Artificial Intelligence Container Port, acting as a catalyst for its growth. The integration between the two developments is set to create strong synergies in logistics, light processing, and manufacturing activities, enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening the region’s supply chain capabilities. The PDFZ master plan will include warehousing facilities, high-technology factories, and essential support infrastructure, pending approvals from the relevant authorities. According to Aminuddin, the initiative is expected to significantly enhance the state’s industrial sector and investment landscape, attracting global strategic investors and reinforcing Port Dickson’s position within the international maritime and logistics network. “This integration will not only support Midport’s operations but will also optimise container transportation and maritime services,” he said during the signing ceremony for the land sale agreement and memorandum of understanding between MBINS and SD Guthrie. Also in attendance was SD Guthrie Group Managing Director, Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha. In the project’s initial phase, emphasis will be placed on the transfer of land for basic infrastructure development and investor engagement. Over the longer term, PDFZ is envisioned to evolve into a high-technology industrial hub underpinning the region’s broader economic ambitions. Construction of the Midport terminal is scheduled to begin imminently and is projected to take several years to complete. The port is targeted to commence operations as early as 2027, with the first phase of PDFZ to be ready in time to support its launch. Looking further ahead, Aminuddin expressed confidence that Port Dickson could emerge as a “new port city” by 2035, in line with the state government’s target of achieving an annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 8.1% until 2045. -Bernama

News

EPF Health Scheme to Drive Patient Growth at Sunway Hospitals, Says MIDF

Sunway Bhd is poised to benefit from increased patient traffic at its hospitals if the Malaysian government proceeds with the proposed Employees Provident Fund (EPF)-funded health insurance scheme, according to a report by MIDF Research. The research house noted that the scheme, which would allow EPF members to voluntarily utilise funds from Account 2 for health insurance, is anticipated to widen access to faster and higher-quality private healthcare services. The initiative stands to impact approximately 16 million EPF members. MIDF Research stated that the scheme would benefit Sunway Healthcare Group (SHG), a subsidiary of Sunway Bhd, which currently operates five hospitals across Malaysia. The initiative is expected to drive an increase in outpatient numbers and hospital admissions by improving accessibility to private healthcare services. The report added that the potential gains from this scheme are likely to offset the projected mild downside from the introduction of the Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) payment model. This new system, which affects both public and private hospitals, categorises treatments into standardised fixed-rate bands to control medical cost inflation. Sunway’s healthcare division has been a significant contributor to group earnings, accounting for 14% of its profit before tax (PBT) for the financial year ended 31 December 2024. However, this contribution declined to 10% in the first quarter ended 31 March 2025 due to start-up losses from Sunway Medical Centre (SMC) Damansara and pre-operational expenses at SMC Ipoh. As of now, SHG operates with 1,647 licensed beds and is targeting an expansion to 3,000 beds by 2030 through the development of new facilities. In April 2025, SHG entered into an agreement with Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd to develop a 325-bed hospital in Putrajaya. The group is also exploring the establishment of its first hospital in Seremban as part of a transit-oriented development in the area. MIDF Research views SHG’s expansion strategy as a driver of future earnings growth, alongside increasing contributions from Malaysia’s medical tourism sector, bolstered by the group’s strong industry reputation. On the broader corporate outlook, Sunway Bhd posted a robust performance in FY2024, recording a 51.3% year-on-year increase in earnings to RM1.06 billion, driven by substantial contributions from projects in Singapore. However, the research house anticipates normalised earnings in FY2025, primarily supported by the property investment and construction divisions. MIDF Research has maintained a “neutral” recommendation on Sunway Bhd, with an unchanged target price of RM4.86 per share. -The Star

News

MyNews Holdings Posts 32% Jump in Q2 Earnings

MyNews Holdings Bhd has recorded a strong second-quarter performance, underpinned by its strategic expansion and stable gross profit margins. The convenience store operator reported a 31.6% increase in net profit for the three months ended 30 April 2025, reaching RM2.3 million, equivalent to 0.30 sen per share. This brings its cumulative net profit for the first half of the financial year to RM6.1 million, or 0.82 sen per share. Revenue for the quarter stood at RM202.6 million, marking a 5.1% year-on-year increase. Total revenue for the six-month period rose to RM418.4 million. The company attributes its growth to a sustained commitment to delivering quality food and services across its convenience store network, alongside the strength and visibility of its established brands. MyNews affirmed that business expansion remains a key focus, with a notable increase in new store openings. Concurrently, the group observed a downward trend in active outlet closures, signalling continued operational stability and scalability. -The Star

News

Foodie Media Targets ACE Market Listing Amid Expansion Plans

Foodie Media Bhd, the digital media company behind popular food blog KL Foodie, has submitted a draft prospectus for an initial public offering (IPO) on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market. The company, associated with social media personality Lim Pinn Yang, aims to float approximately 28.15% of its enlarged share capital. According to the filing, 15.54% of the equity will be offered via public issue, broken down into 5% for the Malaysian public, 1.69% for eligible persons, and 8.85% via an institutional offering. An additional 12.61% will be allocated to institutional and selected investors through an offer for sale. Post-listing and assuming full exercise of its executive share scheme, Lim, aged 32, is expected to retain a 21.8% direct stake in the company. He will also hold over 15% indirectly through his spouse, Ang Rui Mei. Both Lim and Ang are members of the board, serving as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer respectively. Proceeds raised from the IPO are earmarked for strategic initiatives including talent acquisition, the purchase and renovation of a live streaming facility, and investments in both new and upgraded production equipment. A portion of the funds will also be channelled towards the adoption of artificial intelligence-driven software solutions and general working capital requirements. Notably, Bryan Loo Woi Lip, Chief Executive Officer of Loob Bhd—parent company of the popular beverage brand TeaLive—will remain a significant shareholder in Foodie Media, with a post-IPO stake of 8.3%. In a separate development, SBS Nexus Bhd has also unveiled plans to pursue a listing on the ACE Market. A specialist in branding and marketing solutions, SBS’s primary client in 2024 was women’s fashion label Christy Ng. The proposed IPO for SBS will involve a 25% public issue of its enlarged share capital, alongside a 10% offer for sale. Capital raised will be directed toward establishing a new headquarters, expanding business operations, strengthening branding and promotional activities, repaying borrowings, and supplementing working capital. -The Star

News

Malakoff to Gain RM40 Million Annually from Melaka WTE Plant, Says Maybank IB

KUALA LUMPUR : Malakoff Corporation Bhd is poised to realise an estimated RM40 million in annual net profit accretion over a 30-year period once its Melaka waste-to-energy (WTE) facility begins operations, according to Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank IB). In a research note issued today, Maybank IB stated that the contribution from the Melaka WTE plant is expected to provide a significant long-term uplift to Malakoff’s earnings. The investment bank has maintained its ‘hold’ recommendation on the stock, with an unchanged sum-of-parts (SOP) based target price of RM0.75. “Our earnings forecasts and TP of RM0.75, based on a SOP valuation methodology with each segment assessed using a discounted cash flow approach, remain unchanged pending the official commissioning of the WTE facility,” Maybank IB said. It added that the projected 70 per cent payout ratio implies dividend yields of approximately 5.0 per cent, offering downside support for investors. Malakoff remains actively engaged in identifying new project opportunities, and the upcoming WTE project is seen as a step forward in strengthening its long-term sustainability agenda. The WTE plant will be operated by Malakoff’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Sungai Udang WTE Sdn Bhd, under a public-private partnership concession agreement with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation. The concession period spans 34 years from the effective date and is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2026. Public Investment Bank Bhd (PIVB) has also reiterated its ‘neutral’ rating on Malakoff with a target price of RM0.82. PIVB noted that while the development of the Melaka WTE project is a positive step, no adjustments have been made to its earnings forecasts as the facility’s commissioning is beyond the current projection horizon. PIVB also commented that the project’s guided high single-digit internal rate of return is reasonable in light of the significant upfront capital expenditure involved. -Bernama

Investment & Market Trends

Foreign Investors Extend Bursa Malaysia Outflows to RM565 Million

Foreign investors sustained their net selling streak on Bursa Malaysia for a fifth consecutive week, pushing total net outflows to RM565.2 million for the week ended 20 June 2025, according to MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd. The latest figure marks an increase from the RM444.4 million recorded in the previous week. MIDF reported that foreign investors remained net sellers on each trading day, with daily outflows ranging between RM52.5 million and RM202.2 million. The heaviest selling activity was observed on Friday, followed by Monday, which saw outflows of RM130.3 million. Despite the persistent foreign exits, selected sectors witnessed notable net foreign inflows. The transportation and logistics sector led the gains with RM95.8 million, followed by real estate investment trusts (REITs) at RM38.4 million and construction at RM28.9 million. Conversely, significant net foreign outflows were recorded in financial services (RM387.4 million), healthcare (RM110 million), and industrial products and services (RM52.9 million), reflecting continued caution among offshore investors toward these segments. On the domestic front, local institutions maintained their buying trend for the fifth straight week, recording net inflows of RM510.6 million. However, this was lower than the RM620.6 million registered the previous week. Local retailers, meanwhile, reversed their two-week outflow streak with a net inflow of RM54.7 million. Regionally, foreign investors reversed their net buying position across Asia, posting a cumulative outflow of US$618.6 million (approximately RM2.65 billion). South Korea and India stood out as exceptions, continuing to attract foreign capital. MIDF also noted a general decline in average daily trading volumes across most investor groups. Local institutions and retailers recorded volume decreases of 13.3% and 10.9%, respectively, while foreign investors bucked the trend with a 24% increase in trading activity. -Bernama

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