As 2025 winds down, we dig into the strategic moves, regulatory decisions, and macro trends shaping Malaysia’s financial and corporate landscape heading into 2026. From surprise shareholder moves to global AI infrastructure plays, this episode ties it all together.
Corporate & Market Developments
💼 Tabung Haji Buys into D&O Green Tech
* Becomes substantial shareholder (5%+) after D&O reports a RM169M quarterly loss
* Loss driven by inventory impairments, not core business decline
* Tabung Haji sees long-term undervaluation and a chance to enter at a discount
🌏 Infomina Secures Recurring Revenue in Thailand
* Signs 3-year deal with Siam Commercial Bank worth US$34M
* Locks in regional software support income, boosting predictability
📈 Kee Ming Group IPO Approved
* Backed by Solarvest, aiming to raise funds to pursue larger industrial and clean energy projects
🎮 Semico Capital Targets Listing Amid High Margins
* Boasts margins of 43–49%, but with 42% revenue concentration on two clients, risk is high
* One to watch closely for post-IPO volatility
🛢️ Hibiscus Petroleum Associate Pauses Drilling
* At Charlemont-1 in Australia due to unexpected high-pressure gas pocket
* Safety-led pause to redesign well and proceed cautiously
📶 Maxis Restores Service
* Connectivity restored for ~3,000 customers in Kuala Kangsar after prior disruption
🏙️ PNB Merdeka Ventures Names New CEO
* Datuk Izwan Hasli to lead Merdeka 118 & mall launch beginning Jan 2026
Governance & Legal Updates
💸 MACC Ends 2025 With Two High-Profile Probes
* Army procurement investigation – 6 bank accounts seized, senior officer involved
* Former minister questioned over alleged RM5M bribe & Lamborghini gift tied to controversial land deal
⚖️ Judiciary Gets First Pay Hike in Over a Decade
* 30% salary increase for top judges
* Designed to protect judicial independence and reduce conflict-of-interest risk
🚫 Najib Razak Appeals House Arrest Rejection
* Appeal follows High Court ruling declaring the royal addendum invalid
👶 MyCC Probes 31 Childcare Centers in Kelantan
* Alleged price fixing via agreed floor pricing
* Centers have 30 days to respond
🏢 Landmark Ruling on JMBs in Mixed Developments
* High Court: JMBs can legally charge different maintenance fees
* Prevents non-users from subsidizing exclusive facilities
* Huge precedent for strata property planning and sales strategies
Macro & Global Trends
🏭 Malaysia PPI Falls Again
* Producer Price Index down 1.8% in Nov
* Reflects factory-gate deflation, mirroring similar trends in Thailand and across Asia
🤖 AI Infrastructure Boom Accelerates
* Nvidia invests US$5B in Intel
* SoftBank acquires DigitalBridge for US$4B
* Focus shifting from hype to physical infrastructure — data centers, chips, power
🇨🇳 China Warns on Yuan Speculation
* After 4% appreciation, state media urges caution
* A stronger yuan risks hurting exports and worsening domestic deflation
* Beijing signaling it may recalibrate policy if needed
