Malaysia Morning News For February 22

Minister: Putrajaya wants Malaysia to be leading aerospace nation by 2030
The government is targeting for Malaysia to be among the region’s aerospace pioneers by 2030, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Ignatius Darell Leiking.
— Malay Mail

Technological innovation to boost oil palm planters’ productivity
The palm oil sector needs to mechanise and automate further to raise productivity, said Dr Shariman Alwani, who is head of strategy, innovation and renewables at Sime Darby Plantation Bhd.
— New Straits Times

China’s demand for durian sparks environmental concerns in Malaysia
It’s a notorious fruit that has plenty of fans in China. But that’s leading to worries in one country that’s supplying them.
— CGTN

Banks caught between offering loans and managing risks
There has been some misconception about banks in Malaysia. Most young people complain there’s no way they can get their housing loans approved. According to them, the rate of rejection of home loan applications is so high, it’s almost as if banks are unwilling to lend.
— FMT

Malaysia ranks second in SEA for Chinese tourist transactions during CNY
Malaysia is the second largest market in Southeast Asia for Chinese tourists spending over the Chinese New Year holiday season, as recorded by Alipay, the digital payment and lifestyle platform offered by Ant Financial, an affiliate company of Alibaba Group.
— The Sun Daily

Malaysian stocks stage strongest rise in Asia
The FBM KLCI put up strong gains in yesterday’s trading session, rising 19.62 points or 1.15% to 1,726.18 points by the end of the day, recording its third day of gains.
— The Star Online

Cook arrested in Malaysia after diners complain of fatigue, hallucinations
A cook and two of his assistants were arrested in the Malaysian state of Perak on Tuesday (Feb 19) after several customers complained of fatigue and hallucinations.
— Channel NewsAsia

Army bases relocated by BN government to create vote banks: Malaysia defence minister
Four army bases were relocated during the previous Barisan Nasional (BN) administration in order to move military voters and shore up political support in certain areas, said Malaysia Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu.
— Channel NewsAsia

Dr Mahathir says US-China trade tension already impacts Malaysia
Malaysia is no exception as the trade tension between US and China impacts economic growth in Southeast Asia, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says in Kuala Lumpur.
— The Edge Markets

Panda bond offer by China a sign of foreign confidence in Malaysia, says Guan Eng
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said the offer by China Construction Bank to issue Panda bonds to assist Malaysia in reducing its debt level is a testament to the confidence that foreign investors have in Malaysia under the current regime.
— The Edge Markets

Wait and see, Dr M says on PAS support
Dr Mahathir Mohamad says he will adopt a wait-and-see approach to talk of PAS’ support for him, amid speculation of a no-confidence vote against the prime minister.
— FMT

Malaysia communications minister refutes transport official accusing RTM of sabotage
Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) was following standard operating procedure when it aired only the speech made by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad live last Sunday, said Communications Minister Gobind Singh Deo on Thursday (Feb 21).
— Channel NewsAsia

Johor Bahru port limits issue can be resolved more quickly than water issue: Malaysia foreign minister
The Johor Bahru port limits issue between Singapore and Malaysia can be resolved more quickly compared to the issue over water, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said on Thursday (Feb 21).
— Channel NewsAsia

China team to visit Malaysia over ECRL, says Daim
The Chinese government is sending a team to negotiate with the Malaysian government the future of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, said Daim Zainuddin.
— FMT

Jollibee plans to open 100 stores in Malaysia over next 10 years
Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) has announced plans to open 100 Jollibee stores in Malaysia in the next 10 years. This includes 50 stores in Sabah and Sarawak, Borneo Post reported.
— Human resource Online

Malaysia’s new regime maybe a good thing for democracy but the pot is brewing as more changes are afoot
There are a lot of rumours about the Malaysian political scene and more often than not the rumour mill is actually pretty accurate.
— The Independent

AMMB’s Q3 profit surges 59.8% on higher lending, recoveries
AMMB Holdings Bhd’s net profit for the third quarter ended Dec 31, 2018 jumped 59.8% to RM349.88 million from RM218.98 million a year ago, propelled by higher lending volume, lower cost base and increase in recoveries.
— The Sun Daily

Malaysia’s economy likely to slow in April to June 2019
Malaysia’s economy is likely to grow at a slow rate in April to June 2019 in view of the decline in the Leading Index (LI) in December 2018, according to the Statistics Department.
— The Sun Daily

Petron’s net profit slips to RM225mil, revenue up 16pct to RM12bil
Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing Bhd posted RM224.54 million net profit in the year ended December 31 2018, down 44 per cent from RM405.17 million previousy.
— New Straits Times

Five law firms fighting for lead role, biggest payout in group suit against Goldman over 1MDB
Five law firms are reportedly jockeying for their respective clients to take the lead role in a group lawsuit against Goldman Sachs Group Inc for allegedly misleading investor about its work with 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
— Malay Mail

TRX City, partners and investors ink common estate deal
TRX City Sdn Bhd (TRXC), its partners and investors had on Thursday signed the common estate agreement (CEA) which will govern the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) financial district.
— The Star Online

Najib’s former media adviser cries political agenda ahead of money laundering charges
Former Apco Malaysia boss Paul Stadlen has claimed foul play following news that he will be charged in absentia with money laundering.
— Malay Mail

AirAsia ready to end airport spat
AirAsia reiterated, Tuesday, that it preferred to resolve issues with Malaysia Airports Holdings (MAHB) amicably, following a meeting with the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF).
— TTR Weekly

What’s Behind Malaysia’s New Defense White Paper Talk?
A closer look at the one of the new government’s key priorities in the security realm.
— The Diplomat

Holidaying in Malaysia? Why Not Visit Its Controversial Palm Oil Farms
Want a unique way to spend your holiday in Malaysia? How about traipsing around some controversial palm oil plantations.
— Bloomberg

China visitors top list of tourists in Malaysia last year
Almost three million tourists from China visited Malaysia last year making them the largest group of visitors to the country, followed by those from India and Korea.
— The Edge Markets

Malaysia working with Philippines to save 3 kidnap victims: IGP
The security forces are working with the Philippine authorities to ensure the safety and release of three kidnap victims, a Malaysian and two Indonesians.
— New Straits Times

Pharmaniaga posts RM42mil net profit on RM2.38bil revenue
Pharmaniaga Bhd’s net profit for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2018 (FY18) eased to RM42.47 million from RM53.82 million previously.
— New Straits Times

New CEO for CIMB Investment Bank
CIMB Group Holdings Bhd has appointed Jefferi M Hashim as CIMB Investment Bank Bhd’s chief executive officer (CEO), replacing Datuk Kong Sooi Lin effective March 1.
— New Straits Times

Sime Darby records 69.4% jump in 1H net profit to RM542m
Sime Darby Bhd’s continuing operations posted a 69.4% increase in net profit to RM542mil for the six months ended Dec 31, 2018, from RM320mil in the previous corresponding period due to strong contribution from the group’s industrial division.
— The Star Online

RHB bags SJPP’s Top Performer Award
RHB Banking Group (RHB) was accorded Top Performer Award, by Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan Bhd (SJPP) for providing the highest amount of financing to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under the government-guaranteed financing scheme.
— The Star Online

Fonterra sees strong e-commerce growth in Malaysia
Fonterra’s online sales in Malaysia grew more than doubled during the recent major shopping periods – Singles Day (November 11) and 12.12 (December 10-12) – driven by sales of Anmum, Anlene and Fernleaf products across top e-commerce platforms in Malaysia.
— New Straits Times

Schneider Electric rewards Malaysian businesses for outstanding performance in 2018
Schneider Electric, the global leader in energy management and automation, recently hosted its annual APC by Schneider Electric Appreciation Night, an award ceremony to recognise and honour local partners for their commitment and exemplary performance throughout 2018.
— The Borneo Post

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