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Malaysia Money Matters Daily News Digest 17th July 2025
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Malaysia Money Matters Daily News Digest 17th July 2025

Bursa Caution & Big Renewable Moves

Today’s deep dive:
A volatile mix of Malaysian corporate news, global trade tensions, and strategic investments shaping the country’s future.


🇲🇾 Malaysia Market & Company Pulse

🔹 Bursa Malaysia Earnings Warning
Q2 net profit expected to plunge 37% YoY to RM51 million.
✅ Lower trading activity reflects investor caution, driven largely by external tariff pressures.

🔹 Duopharma Biotech
Likely promoting its operations head to managing director.
✅ Signals continuity and steady execution of growth plans—positive for investor confidence.

🔹 CelcomDigi Life Stores Launch
New immersive retail experiences at The Gardens Mall and Sunway Pyramid.
✅ Focus on customer engagement and brand differentiation.

🔹 Gamuda JV Secures Water Supply Deal
Minimum 40-year contract for the Kerian scheme in Perak, also supplying Penang.
✅ Long-term revenue stream and regional water security.

🔹 Kawan Renergy Lands RM38.8M Contract
Gas turbine co-generation project in Port Klang.
✅ Expected to boost earnings.

🔹 Khazanah Nasional Eyes $500M Exchangeable Bond
Aimed at funding overseas investments.
✅ Diversifying beyond Malaysia, leveraging flexible financing.

🔹 Sarawak Semiconductor Investment
OCI & Tokuyama commit RM2 billion to a new polysilicon plant.
✅ Strengthens Malaysia’s role in the global chip supply chain.

🔹 Renewables Momentum

  • Malakoff Corp: Exploring solar PV in Sarawak.

  • Pekat Group: Raising RM84.7M for expansion, aiming for a RM1B market cap.
    ✅ Clear pivot to green energy.

🔹 Tan Chong Motor’s Share Surge
Up 36% after land sales.
✅ Exchange queried the move—highlighting asset monetization potential.


🇲🇾 Broader Malaysian Economy

Consumer Market Outlook
Robust domestic spending expected in H2, supported by tourism recovery—even with SST hikes.

Automotive Sector Mixed
Potential sales rebound but vulnerable to US tariffs on components.

Producer Prices Up 3% YoY
Driven mainly by agriculture.
✅ Mild inflationary pressure—watch this trend.

Fuel Prices Ticked Up
RON97: RM3.21 | Diesel: RM2.91 (Peninsular)


🌍 Global Trade & Policy Developments

🔸 Semiconductors Under Pressure

  • ASML cut 2026 growth forecast—geopolitical risks.

  • Nvidia to ramp up “China-compliant” H20 chip supply.
    ✅ Volatile backdrop for the chip industry.

🔸 China EV Market
Beijing pledging to curb irrational price wars—aiming for more sustainable growth.

🔸 Indonesia
Central bank cuts rate to 5.25%, while a revised US trade deal reduces tariffs—good news for exports.

🔸 UK Inflation
Unexpectedly rose to 3.6%, complicating the BOE’s policy path.

🔸 US Producer Prices Flat
Tariff-driven goods costs offset by weak services demand.

🔸 US Tariff Escalation

  • Trump threatens 30% tariffs by August 1.

  • EU prepares retaliation.

  • Possible additional duties on semiconductors, pharma.

✅ Major uncertainty ahead for global supply chains.

🔸 Malaysia-China Visa Waiver
90-day mutual visa-free travel now active—boosting tourism and business.

🔸 Malaysia Healthcare Roadmap
Government considering new policies to grow the sector as an economic pillar.


📌 Key Takeaways & Investor Insights

✅ Local Resilience: Renewable energy investments and semiconductor expansion signal strategic shifts.
✅ Trade Risks: Global tariff threats remain the #1 external risk.
✅ Supply Chain Decoupling: Apple, Nvidia, and ASML moves show fragile tech dependencies.
✅ Domestic Demand: Malaysian consumer spending holds up but watch imported cost pressures.


🎧 Listen Now for a deep dive into Malaysia’s financial gems and global trends shaping 2025!

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