In today’s episode, we dive into a week defined by booming retail, capital outflows, and a major political shift on Sabah’s revenue claim. From EPF’s profit-taking signals to 99 Speed Mart’s record quarter, the key question now is:what happens when liquidity starts leaving the system?
Malaysian Corporate & Market Developments
🛒 99 Speed Mart Profit Surges 50% in Q3
Net profit hits RM160.7M, revenue climbs 19% to RM3.04B. Expansion into Fuzhou (China) and Kelantan caps a stellar strategy execution.
💰 EPF Investment Income Up 27% to RM25.4B
Strong quarter, but CEO signals caution: equity valuations are “elevated” and EPF will accelerate profit-taking in Q4. Liquidity watch begins.
🏦 Public Bank Profit Slips 3.65% in Q3
RM1.84B net profit dented by OPR cuts. Even bond gains couldn’t offset the pressure on net interest margins.
📉 CelcomDigi Net Profit Falls 22%
Q3 earnings drop to RM341M as post-merger integration costs and provisions bite. Dividend maintained, but bottom line hit hard.
🏛️ Chubb Malaysia Readies IPO
Insurer listing on main market — a compliance move to meet BNM’s foreign ownership rules. Regulatory mandate driving market activity.
Projects, Policy & Political Developments
🚈 LRT3 Delayed (Again) to Late 2025
Safety testing cited for latest setback. Klang Valley commuters face continued delays on critical infrastructure.
🚗 Multi-Lane Free Flow Enforcement Legislation Coming
Gov’t plans legal amendments in 2026 to support toll payment enforcement for MLFF system. Key for smart mobility rollout.
🧾 Sabah’s 40% Revenue Claim Enters Implementation Phase
Federal gov’t sets up committee, won’t appeal court ruling. A landmark move on MA63, setting up potential fiscal restructuring with Sabah.
Global & Geopolitical Outlook
🌏 China-Japan Tensions Escalate Over Taiwan
China threatens economic retaliation — including cutting tourism — in response to Taiwan-linked disputes. Regional risk on the rise.
⚠️ Bangladesh PM Sentenced to Death
Shocking sentence for Sheikh Hasina just months ahead of elections. Major instability warning for South Asia investors.
💼 Alphabet Gets Buffett Boost
Berkshire Hathaway discloses nearly US$5B stake in Google’s parent. Rare tech bet from Buffett sends strong market signal amid AI cost concerns.
🎧 Listen Now for a deep dive into Malaysia’s financial gems and global trends shaping 2025!
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