Today’s episode dives into Malaysia’s corporate turnaround stories, strategic plays abroad, and rising geopolitical tensions that ripple right into local markets. From Top Glove’s first post-pandemic profit to the latest in rare earth politics, we connect the dots so you don’t have to.
🏢 Corporate Moves & Market Signals
💸 Public Bank Stake Trimmed for Compliance
* Founder’s estate sold 50M shares
* Stake now at 22%+
🧤 Top Glove Returns to Profit
* FY25 profit: RM109M — first since the pandemic
* Boosted by 75% utilization and 80% US tariff on Chinese gloves
🏥 IHH Sticks to Fortis Offer Despite 8x Price Jump
* Proceeding with mandatory open offer for 26% stake in India’s Fortis
⚙️ KNM Rejects MAA’s EGM Request
* MAA wanted shareholder vote on Deutsche KNM sale
* KNM board says sale (RM270M) is key to RM1.3B debt restructuring
🛢️ NuEnergy Takeover Completed by Agrobulk
* Offer price: RM0.60/share
🌐 Ramssol Appointed Tencent Cloud Distributor
* Covers 6 ASEAN markets
* Includes AI-powered “digital humans”
⚖️ Policy, Regulation & Consumer News
📄 Court: Director Fees Are Business Income
* Court of Appeal rules for independent non-executive directors
🧑💻 No Mandatory Socso for Gig Workers (Yet)
* Govt emphasizes flexibility for gig economy
* Says contribution rules may be reviewed in future
🏦 Felda’s RM2.77B Loan Repayment Due
* Eagle High deal debt matures Oct 13
⚖️ Petros vs Petronas: Not a Feud, Says GPS
* Dispute over gas rights framed as state law enforcement, not rivalry
🏗️ Lynas Facility Behind Schedule
* 72% complete, 10% delay
* License expires March 2026
💰 Consumer & Legal Wins
🚗 Hire Purchase Act: Major Consumer Win
* Rule of 78 officially abolished
* Early settlements now benefit from reducing balance method
🌍 Global Headlines & Macro Shifts
🕊️ Israel–Hamas Ceasefire Signed
* Includes hostage exchange
* US President’s initiative; activation expected within 72 hours of cabinet approval
🧪 China Tightens Rare Earth Export Controls
* Targets processing tech, especially in defense and semiconductors
🌐 IMF: “Better than feared, worse than needed”
* 2026 slowdown expected
* Warns of AI bubble risk and geopolitical headwinds
🇺🇸 Fed Signals Rate Cuts Ahead
* NY Fed President backs more cuts
* Due to softening US labor market
🎧 Listen Now for a deep dive into Malaysia’s financial gems and global trends shaping 2025!
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