In today’s episode of Malaysia Money Matters, we track big shifts across Malaysian corporates, domestic policy, and global markets. From CIMB’s boardroom shake-up and Solarvest’s milestone solar deal in Brunei, to the RM43B TNB grid investment and rising tensions in the Middle East—this episode connects the dots so you don’t have to.
🇲🇾 Malaysian Company & Market News
🔹 CIMB Appoints New ChairmanDr. Syed Zaid Albar, former Securities Commission chief, becomes CIMB’s group chairman starting July 20. Seen as a regulatory-savvy move amid broader strategic planning.
🔹 Deleum Buys Thai Oilfield AssetsExpands into Thailand with RM60M acquisition from MPC Future. Investors welcomed the move; shares rose on the news.
🔹 Poh Kong Posts Record Revenue, Flat ProfitStrong gold sales offset by rising operating costs and taxes. A clear reminder: margins matter, especially in inflationary environments.
🔹 Petronas Eyes Carbon Capture RevenuePush into CCS aligns with decarbonization goals and monetizing high CO₂ gas fields. Malaysia could emerge as a regional CCS hub.
🔹 Solarvest Secures Landmark Brunei Deal25-year solar plant project marks Brunei’s largest to date. Strengthens Malaysia’s regional green tech footprint.
🔹 TotalEnergies Doubles Down in MalaysiaAcquires offshore assets from Petronas. Plans to expand LNG output and cement Malaysia as a regional anchor.
🔹 Westports Gets Tariff BoostPort Klang to see 30% cumulative tariff increase by 2027. Revenue-positive move to fund expansion amid geopolitical risk in shipping.
🏛️ Domestic Economy & Policy
🔸 Halal Industry Delivers RM149B GDP BoostPhase 1 of national plan shows strong progress. New targets include RM25B in halal-related investments by 2030.
🔸 Malaysia Earns ESG Praise from IFRSFirst ASEAN nation recognized for ISSB-aligned reporting. Enhances global investor appeal and regulatory trust.
🔸 Expanded SST Raises Cost PressuresNew sales tax on commercial rentals and palm kernel oil from July 1 adds layers of cost. Analysts flag risks to SMEs and downstream competitiveness.
🔸 TNB Commits RM43B to Grid UpgradeMassive investment to support clean energy, improve resilience, and handle rising demand.
🌍 Global & Market Developments
🌐 Petronas CEO: $90T Needed for Asia’s TransitionEnergy transition will require urgent mega-investments by 2050 to meet net-zero targets.
🛢️ Middle East Tensions Rattle MarketsIsrael-Iran conflict lifts oil and gas prices. Bursa energy stocks surge; volatility hits global bond markets.
📉 Investors Shun Long-Term US BondsChanging Fed expectations and deficit concerns drive yield volatility. Japan’s policy shift adds global spillover.
📊 OPEC+ Holds Steady OutlookSees moderate global growth in H2 2025. Slight trim to non-OPEC supply could help support balance.
📌 Key Takeaways & Investor Insights
✅ CIMB’s leadership shift underscores a pivot toward regulatory strength and long-term strategy.✅ Solarvest and Deleum are making smart regional plays in renewables and energy services.✅ The halal economy and ESG alignment are growing Malaysia’s international economic profile.✅ Tax changes and cost increases could squeeze margins—watch SMEs and consumer-facing sectors.✅ Geopolitical volatility is back—energy and bond markets are reacting fast.
🎧 Listen Now for a deep dive into Malaysia’s financial gems and global trends shaping 2025!
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