Malaysia GDP Can Grow Above 5 Pct In 2026, Expectation Not Overly Optimistic - Economist

By Harizah Hanim Mohamed

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Expectations for Malaysia’s economy to grow by more than five per cent in 2026 are not overly optimistic, given its strong first-half performance, resilient global trade and rising foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in data centres, semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI).

CPO Prices To Remain Above RM4,600 In September On Tightening Supply, Geopolitical Disruptions -- MPOC

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Crude palm oil (CPO) prices are expected to remain firm above RM4,600 per tonne in September, supported by tightening supply fundamentals and continued geopolitical disruptions to global trade flows, said the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC).

MPM Clarifies Labuan Port Remains Fully Operational

LABUAN, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Megah Port Management Sdn Bhd (MPM), the operator of Labuan Port, today clarified that a recent report on the temporary closure of a jetty does not involve the closure or suspension of operations at Labuan Port.

GST Features In SST Can Ease Tax Cascading, Cost Pressures - FMM

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Incorporating selected Goods and Services Tax (GST) features into the existing Sales and Service Tax (SST) framework can help address tax cascading and cost pressures, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) said.

SC Encourages Large Unlisted Firms To Pursue Dual Listings In Malaysia, Hong Kong

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) is identifying large unlisted Malaysian companies and encouraging them to consider dual listings in Malaysia and Hong Kong to broaden their access to international investors.

Arla Foods Ingredients Invests In Heating System To Cut Carbon Emissions

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Arla Foods Ingredients has taken a major step towards reducing its carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions at dairy level with a newly completed investment of about eight million euros in a new heating system at the Danmark Protein plant in Videbæk. (1 Euro = RM4.69)

GTA Holdings Puts West Asia Expansion Plans On Hold, Exploring Other Opportunities

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Aircraft engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services provider GTA Holdings Bhd (GTA) has put its expansion plans in West Asia on hold amid ongoing tensions in the region.

Lotte Chemical Titan Says No Decision So Far By Parent On Stake Sale

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Lotte Chemical Titan Holding Bhd today clarified that its South Korean parent company, Lotte Chemical Corporation (LCC), is considering various strategic measures concerning the company, with no decision made thus far.

Petronas Chemicals 2Q Net Profit At RM414 Mln Vs RM1.08 Bln Net Loss A Year Ago

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd's (PCG) net profit surged to RM414 million in the second quarter ended June 30, 2026 (2Q FY2026) from a net loss of RM1.08 billion in the same quarter a year earlier.

ACE Market-bound GTA Holdings Aims To Raise RM71.75 Mln From IPO

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- GTA Holdings Bhd, an aircraft engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services provider, aims to raise RM71.75 million from its initial public offering (IPO).

Bursa Malaysia Remains Lower At Midday

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia remained lower at midday, tracking the downbeat performances on Wall Street overnight and regional markets, amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

Penang Port Explores AI To Drive Smarter, Greener Operations

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Penang Port Commission (PPC) is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise port operations, reduce equipment idling and energy consumption, and accelerate its transformation into a smarter, lower-carbon maritime hub.