In today’s episode, we break down how Malaysia’s leading corporates are managing risk amid legal battles, global trade uncertainty, and internal shifts. From a brewing RM600 million exposure at PPB to the prospect of a national vape ban, the message is clear: in a volatile climate, focus is everything.
📈 Malaysian Corporate Headlines
⚖️ PPB Faces RM600M Risk from Wilmar Case
* Indonesian Supreme Court reverses Wilmar’s acquittal
* Linked to graft case on cooking oil exports
* PPB hasn’t provisioned for the potential loss
💼 Bermaz Auto Rejects Shareholder Push
* Pangolin Asia Fund proposed tying director fees to market-purchased shares
* Board rejected it outright
📉 Yinson Profit Halved
* Q2 net profit: RM101M
* Dragged by EPCIC segment + higher finance costs
📺 Astro Q2 Profit Drops 70%
* Subscriptions + ad revenue down sharply
* Small bright spot: first net pay TV customer growth since 2018
🚀 Infrastructure IPOs Show Strong Demand
* Cheeding Holdings (utilities): Public tranche oversubscribed 40.28x
* Farm Price Holdings earnings forecast to jump 33% in FY26
🏢 F&N Monetizes Non-Core Assets
* Selling half-stake in PJ property: RM180M
🌍 Trade & International Relations
🇺🇸 US-Malaysia Tariff Talks Before Trump’s Visit
* Aim: Resolve reciprocal tariffs (~19%) ahead of October ASEAN Summit
* Exports to US already down 16.7%
🇪🇺 Malaysia-EU FTA Talks Set for November
* Complicated by EUDR (deforestation regulation)
* Despite 57% drop in primary forest loss, Malaysia still classified as “standard risk”
🇲🇾 Domestic Policy & Legal Moves
🛢️ Vape Ban Incoming by Mid-2026
* Ministry of Health plans phased ban on vape sales
* Part of broader anti-addiction strategy
* Paired with expansion of Sara Aid to include healthier foods
⚖️ SRC Civil Trial: Najib’s Accountability Questioned
* RM4B pension fund involvement
* SRC lawyers argue “too busy” isn’t a valid defense
💡 Final Thought
There’s a clear pivot toward core focus—both in business and governance.
* Companies like F&N and Yinson are shedding distractions.
* The government is doubling down on accountability and regulatory clarity.
* Meanwhile, unresolved trade issues with the US and EU hang over our export future.
The message?💬 Stay lean. Stay strategic. And keep your eyes on the big picture.
🎧 Listen Now for a deep dive into Malaysia’s financial gems and global trends shaping 2025!
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