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Residents back Urban Renewal Bill to address ageing flats in Klang Valley

5 days ago

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DILAPIDATED flats in the Klang Valley, many over 30 years old and plagued with safety and structural issues, are the main reason residents are throwing support behind the Urban Renewal Bill (URB).

They noted that the bill is crucial to restore safety standards and improve their quality of life.

The bill aims to provide a mechanism to upgrade, repair and modernise old housing areas, while enhancing comfort and security.

Taman Sri Indah Bukit Jalil residents’ chairman Rahimah Abdul Ghafor, 71, who has lived in her flat for more than three decades, said the community faces serious issues such as faulty wiring, leaking sewage pipes, broken roofs and drains and even snakes entering homes.

“We cannot wait any longer. These homes are deteriorating and elderly residents like us need safer, more suitable housing,” she said as quoted by Utusan Malaysia.

Another resident, S Vijayan, 65, said the bill offers middle-income families a chance for better living conditions. He noted his five-storey flat, where he has lived since 1983, has no lift, making it difficult for him to climb stairs due to a leg injury.

“I don’t understand why anyone would oppose it, when there is nothing to lose,” he said.

Nga confirmed the government will proceed with the bill’s second reading in the Dewan Rakyat.

He described opposition to the bill as politically motivated, stressing that its objective is to chart a sustainable, progressive, inclusive and prosperous urban development path.

“We want constructive politics and what matters is that the people are with us,” he said.

The government earlier announced it will table the second reading despite objections from opposition MPs.

First introduced on Aug 21, the bill is part of Putrajaya’s initiative to accelerate redevelopment of ageing urban areas.

Since December 2024, a total of 74 engagement sessions have been held with professionals, developers, joint management bodies (JMBs), state governments, universities and the public.

The bill sets an approval threshold of 80% for buildings under 30 years old, 75% for older buildings, and 51% for abandoned ones.

Separately, more than 100 individuals, including Perikatan Nasional (PN) supporters and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), gathered to submit a memorandum opposing the bill to both government and opposition lawmakers.

In its objection, PAS argued that the bill contains weaknesses and could pose long-term risks to social harmony and national unity.

Its deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man urged the government to halt and withdraw the bill immediately, saying the opposition is also supported by NGOs and individuals.

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News

DOSM: Malaysia’s PPI records slower decrease of 3.8% in July

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/ pic credit: Alexander Nanta Linggi FB — (TMR File Photo)

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s Producer Price Index (PPI) recorded a slower decrease of 3.8 per cent in July 2025 from a 4.2 per cent decline in the previous month, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the decline in July 2025 was mainly attributed to the mining and manufacturing sectors, which have experienced a downward trend since the beginning of the year.

“The mining sector went down by 8.7 per cent (June 2025: -8.0 per cent), dragged down by the extraction of crude petroleum (-9.8 per cent) and the extraction of natural gas (-4.7 per cent) indices.

“Similarly, the manufacturing sector declined by 4.0 per cent (June 2025: -4.3 per cent) due to declines in the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products (-15.7 per cent) and the manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products (-7.6 per cent) indices,” he said in a statement today.

Mohd Uzir said the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector recorded an increase of 1.1 per cent (June 2025: -0.3 per cent), supported by the growing of perennial crops (3.1 per cent) index.

“While the electricity and gas supply sector went up by 4.0 per cent (June 2025: -0.2 per cent), the water supply sector posted a marginal decline of 0.1 per cent in July 2025,” he said.

On a month-on-month basis, Mohd Uzir said the PPI local production increased by 0.3 per cent in July 2025 after a 0.7 per cent decrease in the previous month.

“The agriculture, forestry and fishing sector increased by 2.5 per cent (June 2025: -1.0 per cent), contributed by the growing of perennial crops (4.6 per cent) index.

“The utility sectors, electricity and gas supply and water supply indices also went up by 3.4 per cent and 0.9 per cent, respectively,” he said.

However, Mohd Uzir said the mining sector remained unchanged in July 2025, after posting a 4.6 per cent increase in the previous month.

“The manufacturing sector, on the other hand, recorded a marginal decrease of 0.1 per cent (June 2025: -1.2 per cent), weighed down by manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products (-0.5 per cent) and manufacture of food products (-0.4 per cent),” he added.

Looking at selected countries, Malaysia’s chief statistician said the PPI showed mixed trends for July 2025, with the United States’ PPI increasing by 3.3 per cent, Japan experiencing a 2.6 per cent expansion, while China posted a 3.6 per cent decline and Thailand a 4.2 per cent contraction. — BERNAMA

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News

JMG: Magnitude 3.2 Segamat quake linked to Mersing Fault reactivation

5 days ago

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(Pic credit: Malaysia Meteorological Department)

PUTRAJAYA — The magnitude 3.2 tremor that struck Segamat, Johor yesterday was caused by the reactivation of the Mersing Fault due to regional tectonic stress, according to the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG).

In a statement today, JMG said Malaysia lies on the relatively stable Sunda Plate but remains influenced by regional forces, particularly from the Sunda subduction zone off western Sumatra.

These pressures can reactivate existing faults in Peninsular Malaysia, triggering small to moderate earthquakes.

“Preliminary mapping placed the Segamat epicentre near the extension of the Mersing Fault, which trends west-northwest to east-southeast.

“Seismological analysis indicated a left-lateral strike-slip movement, with the northern block shifting west and the southern block moving east.” the statement read.

JMG said the shallow depth of about 10 km confirmed the tremor was caused by continental crust movement, not volcanic activity or deep-sea subduction.

Peninsular Malaysia has previously recorded tremors in Bukit Tinggi (Pahang), Kenyir (Terengganu), Kuala Pilah (Negeri Sembilan) and Manjung–Temenggor (Perak). Johor also experienced minor quakes in 2021 and 2023 linked to seismic activity off Sumatra.

“These incidents, including the Segamat quake, show that the continental plate beneath Peninsular Malaysia still stores tectonic stress that may be released periodically,” the statement said.

As such, JMG stressed the need for continuous monitoring, updated fault mapping and early warning systems to improve preparedness and protect infrastructure.

Together with MetMalaysia under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), the department will step up monitoring and scientific analysis in at-risk areas, whether from local or regional seismic activity. — BERNAMA

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Govt director charged with abusing position to benefit husband’s company

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BUTTERWORTH — A Grade S41 government department director in Perlis pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court today to a charge of abusing her position by recommending her husband’s company for a programme eight years ago.

Hanita Ahmad, 57, was accused of abusing her position by recommending her husband’s company, Tegas Enterprise, to supply food and beverages worth RM3,840 for a 2017 Seberang Perai Utara Perdana scheme gathering through a purchase request.

The offence allegedly took place at a government department in Seberang Perai Utara on July 14.

She was charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, which carries a maximum imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the gratification, or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction.

Earlier, deputy public prosecutor Noor Azura Zulkiflee proposed bail at RM10,000 with one surety, along with additional conditions requiring the accused to report to the nearest MACC office monthly and surrender her passport.

Hanita, who was unrepresented, appealed for a lower bail, citing financial constraints as she is supporting her family while her husband has been unemployed for a year.

Judge Zulhazmi Abdullah set bail at RM8,000 and allowed the prosecution’s conditions, fixing Sept 30 for case mention.

The MACC had earlier confirmed that the accused was detained at its Penang office on Tuesday while giving her statement over the alleged abuse of position in awarding the 2017 contract to her husband’s company. — BERNAMA

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Life & Arts News

Negaraku II turns art into living dialogue on Malaysian identity

5 days ago

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Sim (left) and Gabriel at the exhibition

It explores the nation’s evolution from Independence to the present day, tracing how its sense of self had shifted and re-formed with time

by AKMAR ANNUAR

THE late-afternoon light had streamed into Hin Bus Depot, casting a warm glow over the high industrial walls now transformed into a textured map of Malaysian identity.

Invited by co-curators Bingley Sim and Ivan Gabriel, together with event organiser Swan Consultancy, this writer had joined a media tour ahead of the public opening of Negaraku II — a sequel that refused to simply retread the steps of its predecessor.

Within minutes, it was clear this was not just another group show. The air carried the quiet rhythm of anticipation, the scent of fresh paint mingling with the low hum of voices as guests gathered in front of a modest podium.

Sim stepped forward to welcome us, his tone more that of a host than a formal speaker.

“This is not just my wife’s and my collection. This is an installation by Ivan Gabriel, shaped from what we had gathered over decades — each piece chosen and placed to tell a bigger story,” he began, his voice warm but resolute.

Negaraku II is a collector’s show by Sim and his wife, Ima Norbinsha

In an online interview with this writer a week before the media preview, Sim explained that the narrative was carved into six thematic parts — Pejuang-Pejuang (Warriors), Malaysia Truly Asia, Pendatang, Sama Sama (Welcome/ Together), Impian (Malaysian Aspirations), and Rakyat Hidup Bersatu dan Maju (the second line from the song Negaraku).

Together, they explored the nation’s evolution from Independence to the present day, tracing how its sense of self had shifted and reformed with time.

Sim’s opening remarks carried the pride of a man deeply invested in what these walls held.

“We loved our warriors but warriors came in many forms,” he said.

Historical figures such as Kapitan Cina (Chinese community leaders during colonial times) and the members of groups like the Hai San society stood alongside the unsung fighters of contemporary Malaysia — artists, activists and ordinary citizens confronting the country’s contradictions.

Malaysia Truly Asia, he added, was not just about the postcard-perfect veneer; it was about peering behind it.

If Negaraku II had a heartbeat, it was in Pendatang, Gabriel told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR).

Aku Bukan Pendatang, an artwork by Menon

Here, Steven Menon’s Aku Bukan Pendatang — a striking portrait of an Indian rubber tapper — reclaimed a term too often wielded as an insult.

The man stood with quiet dignity, the map of (then known as) Malaya overlaying his frame, barbed wire marking its surface, while a hibiscus flower rested in his grasp.

For Sim, the work mirrored his own family history.

“My grandfather came from China intending to return, but history kept him here. We should be proud of those origins; they are part of our food, our language, our communities,” he told TMR.

Gabriel, whose curatorial approach drew from his background in theatre and education, guided us through the space like a play unfolding in acts.

The “prologue” paired works by Bayu Utomo, Rajashariman and Ma Adi, each carrying what he called the “Malaysian spirit” — a defiance that persisted despite, or perhaps because of, the country’s many challenges.

“In theatre, you thought about pacing — the introduction, the climax, the closing. Here, every artwork was an actor. Some led, some appeared briefly, but each played a role in the larger narrative,” he shared during the online conversation.

Some roles were played for laughs, which this writer found very cleverly put!

Ahmad Fuad Osman’s satirical series Recollections of Long Lost Memories injected a bohemian, technicolor figure into Malaysia’s most iconic moments — from the Merdeka declaration to political rallies — offering an irreverent yet affectionate reimagining of history.

“Humour mediated tension. And in Malaysia, contradictions and comedy were inseparable,” Gabriel noted.

(From left) The writer with Sim and Gabriel

History was reframed again in Haslestine’s reimagined 70-year-old grandfather clock, its frame painted with images from a Petronas photojournalist book covering 1957 to 2007, overlaid on Japanese prints from the 1930s.

“It was a time capsule and it reminded us that if you could edit images, you could rewrite history. But once an artwork captured a moment, it could not be erased,” Sim explained. From there, the tour eased into Sama Sama, where food served as the unifier.

Oval canvases by Gan Chin Lee’s artworks, depicting migrant workers hung alongside Kide Baharudin’s Siang Malam, vibrant Mamak shop scenes, their warm colours spilling into the room.

“Food bridged differences when nothing else could,” Gabriel said, recalling how the concept for Negaraku II was born over breakfast at Sim’s home, surrounded by food-themed artworks.

(Left) Gabriel and his favourite artwork, Lebuh Pudu, by Gan Chin Lee

This section was more than visual.

The month-long programme included live cooking demonstrations of roti jala, nasi ulam and other traditional dishes researched by artist Ise Parking (Roslisham Ismail).

These recipes were featured in his Langkasuka: Cookbook, a work commissioned for the 7th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art at the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane, Australia.

“He gathered recipes passed down for centuries, then cooked them himself. It was a preservation you could taste,” Gabriel said.

The next chapter, Impian (Malaysian Aspirations), swapped paintings for school furniture.

Two battered primary school desks and chairs faced a blank wall where visitors could write or draw their hopes for the country — an echo of the “Wawasan 2020” essays many Malaysians had written in their schooldays.

“We dreamt of flying cars. Instead, we got a pandemic. But the act of imagining was still worth holding on to,” Gabriel said with a wry smile. Newer voices also found their place here. Amy, a recent graduate, presented Baju — a 7ft garment stitched from denim and traditional fabrics, exploring the tension and harmony between Western and local influences.

The ’Instagram Sabah’ of travel posters, yet woven into it were the truths: The socio-economic challenges, the overlooked narratives, the reality beneath the curation

Nearby, a Taiwanese artist fused centuries-old boat-carving motifs with a Gundam helmet, suggesting that traditions could endure by adapting to the present.

And then — the tapestry.

Baron Sula’s work, representing Sabah, halted this writer in her tracks. Its beauty was immediate, but so was its ache — a duality that pierced unexpectedly.

Here was the “Instagram Sabah” of travel posters, yet woven into it were the truths: The socio-economic challenges, the overlooked narratives, the reality beneath the curation.

In that moment, standing before it, the pain and the pride fused into something almost physical.

It deepened a love for Malaysia, not in spite of its contradictions, but because of them.

Sim admitted the choice was personal — he is married to a Sabahan Muslim and wanted the work to reflect the East Malaysian part of his family’s heritage.

“This was the Malaysia I lived in every day,” he said.

The show’s final bab, Rakyat Hidup Bersatu dan Maju, closed on patriotism — not as blind allegiance, but as what Gabriel called “an active, sometimes uneasy engagement” with the nation.

“You could love your family and still dislike their actions. It was the same with a country. Pride and pain were not opposites; they were partners,” he said.

Throughout the tour, the collaborative chemistry between Sim and Gabriel was evident.

“He’s the intelligent one, I’m the good-looking one,” Sim joked, to which Gabriel laughed, “I’d take intelligent over good-looking any day.”

An artwork by Gan Sze Hooi titled Into the Jail

Their differing temperaments — Sim’s urgency, Gabriel’s measured calm — sharpened the show’s focus, ensuring that personal taste never overrode conceptual cohesion.

Swan Consultancy’s GM Joel R Teruya, offered a final reflection, drawing parallels between Malaysia and his native Hawaii.

He said the exhibition’s themes resonated with his own perspective as a Hawaii-born American, drawing parallels between Malaysia’s history and Hawaii’s past.

Referring to an artwork depicting a person with guns, he reflected on how such imagery echoed global patterns of oppression and resistance, stressing the importance of remembering history to avoid repeating it.

“We need to remember what has happened, so we don’t repeat history, and then make life better for everybody,” he said, adding that this requires both understanding and appreciation of one another.

The piece also made him think about the misconceptions surrounding firearms in his own country.

“I shake my head, and I go, that’s too bad the rest of the world sees the Americans as gun-toting individuals,” he said.

As the formal tour wound down, visitors retraced their steps.

Some lingered in front of Menon’s Aku Bukan Pendatang, others circled back to the food paintings, drawn as much by the stories as by the images themselves.

Gan Chin Lee’s I’m in Mamak Stall

The exhibition’s design encouraged repeat visits.

A number of framed works would rotate during the month-long run, keeping the experience fresh. Multilingual tours — in English, Bahasa Malay- sia, Mandarin, Tamil, Hokkien and sign language — ensured accessibility, while weekend cooking sessions turned the gallery into a communal dining space.

Supported by Yayasan Mr DIY and Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers, Negaraku II runs until Aug 31 at Hin Bus Depot, George Town.

Admission is free.

But more than that, so was the invitation: To see, taste, question and contribute one’s own chapter to the evolving story of Malaysia.

Because here, identity was not a fixed exhibit. It was a conversation — between past and present, between art and audience, between the love we felt for this place and the discomforts we carried with it.

And like the threads of Sula’s tapestry, those strands, woven together, made the whole stronger.

This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition

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News

KPKM: Egg supply stable, local output exceeds demand

5 days ago

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PUTRAJAYA — The supply of chicken eggs in the market is sufficient and stable, with local production now exceeding domestic demand, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM).

KPKM said that following the restructuring of egg subsidies effective Aug 1, the industry will regularly review and adjust retail prices in the open market based on current production data.

“This price adjustment process is part of the open market mechanism, but it does not affect the assurance of egg supply for consumers,” KPKM said in a statement today.

According to KPKM, surveys found that the supply of Grade A, B and C eggs remains stable and available in supermarkets, while affordable Special Grade eggs are also being supplied in reasonable quantities.

“KPKM will also continue monitoring egg production data and maintaining the Agro MADANI Sales initiative to help ease the people’s cost of living,” the statement added.

It further said that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living is continuously monitoring prices, and stern action will be taken under existing laws in cases of profiteering, manipulation or unreasonable price hikes. — BERNAMA

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Markets News

Oriental Kopi retains Buy, target price stays at RM1.26

5 days ago

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ORINETAL Kopi Holdings Bhd’s 9MFY25 GP margin contracted 4.4 percentage points vs. FY24 on higher fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) costs and pre-revenue labour expenses from new outlets.

Kopi Holdings Bhd’s 9MFY25 GP margin contracted 4.4 percentage points vs. FY24 on higher fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) costs and pre-revenue labour expenses from new outlets. SST expansion on commercial rentals could add a further c.1 percentage points drag, though Oriental Kopi mitigates margin pressure via biannual menu reviews and selective supplier sourcing.

Oriental Kopi currently operates 27 cafés and has raised its FY26 outlet target to 8 (vs. our forecast of 6).

The group also rolled out 9 kiosks in CY25, supporting FMCG sales and brand reach. Oriental Kopi expanded FMCG distribution to 99 Speedmart from July 2025, with discussions ongoing with other local retailers, while overseas expansion targets Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand.

Oriental Kopi continues to innovate with stock-keeping units rising to 35 (from 26 in Dec 2024), while its new CY26 operational facility should enhance efficiency and R&D capabilities, supporting earnings growth. We maintain our Buy recommendation with an unchanged target price of RM1.26, based on 30x FY26F earning per share of 4.2 sen, alongside a three-star ESG rating. — APEX Securities (Aug 28, 2025)

(Calls by analysts tracked by Bloomberg: 3 Buy, 4 Hold, 0 Sell; Consensus target price: RM1.17)

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Economy News

MIFB 2025 brews coffee ambition, halal opportunities, future-ready food trends

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The 24th edition features over 500 companies from more than 50 countries and attracts 12,000 visitors (pic: MUHD AMIN NAHARUL/TMR)

With the theme ‘Future-ready F&B’, the event reflects a bold shift toward technology and scalable solutions for the F&B sector

by AUFA MARDHIAH

THE Malaysian International Food and Beverage Trade Fair 2025 (MIFB 2025) returned at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) recently with a sharper focus on innovation, sustainability and the growing influence of Malaysia’s café economy.

The 24th edition featured over 500 companies from more than 50 countries and attracted approximately 12,000 visitors throughout the event.

More than just a trade exhibition, this year’s MIFB reaffirmed its evolution into a strategic platform for global collaboration, business growth, and future-focused innovation across the entire food and beverage (F&B) value chain.

With the theme, “Future-ready F&B: Serving the Evolution of Trends,” the event reflected a bold shift toward technology and scalable solutions for the F&B sector.

Anchoring the programme were three key pillars — smart, sustainable and scalable — with global speakers and researchers convening at the MIFB Knowledge Hub to discuss food security, automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and green innovation.

One of the finalists of Malaysia Brewers Cup 2025, hosted by MSCA (Source: MSCA)

Coffee Culture

In today’s rapidly changing consumer landscape, the industry is being pushed to rethink how food is produced, sourced and consumed. Shoppers now demand transparency, healthier options, ethical sourcing and digital convenience, all at once.

MIFB positioned itself not only to reflect these trends, but to lead the conversation around them. On top of that, the event marked the launch of the Malaysian Café Expo (MCE), a new platform dedicated to café professionals, food service innovators and lifestyle entrepreneurs.

Running concurrently with the trade fair, MCE featured equipment showcases, ingredient suppliers and digital solutions tailored for the café and bakery segment. The platform also highlighted sustainability in café design, automation and experiential concepts aligned with rising global standards.

A major highlight of MIFB 2025 was the 10th anniversary of the Malaysia National Coffee Championship (MNCC), sanctioned by World Coffee Events and organised by the Malaysia Specialty Coffee Association (MSCA). The championship featured 48 of the country’s top baristas, brewers, latte artists and cup tasters competing across four categories.

It was the first time MNCC was held within the MIFB framework, signalling the start of a new three-year strategic partnership between Constellar Exhibitions (M) Sdn Bhd and MSCA — a collaboration aimed at elevating Malaysia’s specialty coffee talent to the international stage.

Visitors were presented with live showdowns, immersive tastings and displays from industry names such as Coffex, 103 Coffee, Boncafe, Starbucks Malaysia and Dutch Lady.

(From left) Constellar Exhibitions CEO Chua Whee Phong, Chan and MSCA president Kelvin Ngow launching MIFB at KLCC (Pic courtesy of MIFB)

The MCE zone alone attracted 5,000 attendees, further reflecting the rapid expansion of Malaysia’s café economy.

The coffee segment, valued at over US$1 billion (RM4.3 billion) in Malaysia with more than 6,400 cafés nationwide, is emerging as a core growth area within the F&B ecosystem.

This growth is driven by strong consumer demand, digital adoption and a younger generation of professionals transforming café culture.

The café boom is also linked to Malaysia’s commodity strengths — particularly in palm-based margarine, cocoa butter equivalents and other bakery ingredients used widely across food service applications.

Constellar Exhibitions, the organiser behind MIFB, said this year’s edition reaffirms the event’s role as ASEAN’s leading trade platform for F&B transformation.

With the support of institutional partners including Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade), Malaysia Convention and Exhibitions Bureau (MyCEB), Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) and MSCA, MIFB continues to bridge global trends with local capabilities. Whether for established F&B players or emerging entrepreneurs, MIFB 2025 offered access to strategic insight, market-ready solutions and meaningful partnerships to drive future industry growth.

Chan urges Malaysia to scale up domestic coffee cultivation to secure its growing café economy (Pic courtesy of MIFB)

Growing Domestic Coffee Supply

In attendance at the opening ceremony was KPK Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin. In the spirit of celebrating the local coffee scene, he urged Malaysia to scale up domestic coffee cultivation to secure its growing café economy and shield the sector from global price shocks.

The rising global instability, from crop shortages in Brazil to shipping disruptions in the Red Sea, has exposed the risks of relying too heavily on imports.

“These external pressures highlight why Malaysia should expand domestic coffee cultivation for local consumption.

“Strengthening our own production is the way to ensure the café economy continues to thrive while positioning Malaysia as a credible origin in the global coffee trade,” he said.

A visitor tasting tea at Roleaf Sdn Bhd’s booth

Chan cited a 94.6% spike in global coffee prices over the past year, driven by supply cuts and rerouted shipping, as justification for Malaysia to act swiftly.

However, he pointed out that coffee’s success is deeply interlinked with Malaysia’s palm oil industry, which supplies key bakery ingredients like margarine and cocoa-butter equivalent (CBE) used in many café staples.

He added that in 2024, the palm oil sector contributed RM114 billion in export earnings, making up nearly 3% of GDP and employing close to one million workers and smallholders.

Furthermore, MIFB 2025 theme also mirrors the mission of Malaysia’s plantation and commodities sector.

Chan also highlighted the importance of scaling innovations across the food supply chain through platforms like MIFB, MyFood-Tech, and the Knowledge Hub, which is running under the theme “Smart, Sustainable, Scalable: Shaping the New F&B Era”.

He called for deeper collaboration between producers, exporters, entrepreneurs and industry experts to ensure Malaysia remains competitive and resilient in the global F&B landscape.

It is fair to say that the halal subject is the most talked about this year, compared to previous years

Global Halal Demand

Aside from coffee, among the biggest buzz of MIFB this year was the halal market topic. It is fair to say that the halal subject was the most talked about this year, compared to MIFB of previous years.

With specific workshops namely Fundamentals of Halal and Haram and Overview of Malaysia Halal Certification, as well as live theatre and presentations portrayed how serious the halal market is on a global stage. On day one of the event, The Malaysian Reserve (TMR) sat down and had a brief chat with DagangHalal.com head of revenue Eve Lim.

She told TMR that the demand for halal-certified products is expanding beyond Muslim-majority countries, with markets like China and Japan emerging as active buyers — but many manufacturers are still unprepared to seize the opportunity. “Halal awareness, to be honest, is still relatively very low.

Ha’ritage is a biscuit brand established in Penang in 1928 (pic: HUSSEIN SHAHARUDDIN/TMR)

The business is there — a lot of people see it but cannot access it because they are waiting for transactions or enquiries before getting themselves ready,” she said. Lim said manufacturers often treat halal certification as an afterthought, when it should instead be seen as a prerequisite to enter the global market. Without it, even strong brands risk being overlooked.

Data from the Malaysia-based halal platform shows increasing traffic from non-traditional halal markets including China and Japan, highlighting how halal consumption is becoming mainstream in regions with smaller Muslim populations.

Lim noted that halal product demand also varies by category. While F&B dominates the conversation, fast fashion and non-food products are gaining traction in certain regions.

“The Middle East remains a key hub, especially countries like Dubai and Turkey. But depending on the category, different regions show different levels of demand,” she added.

Her remarks come amid renewed efforts to strengthen halal trade infrastructure across ASEAN and the wider Muslim world, as demand continues to outpace awareness.

Cost Hurdle

While touring the exhibition halls and browsing the range of traders and products, TMR spoke with several companies to understand their goals, explore their strategy and find out what they hope to achieve by participating this year.

Suzhou McKeith Food Co Ltd plans to expand into the halal market with a dedicated factory and a selected range of popular products aimed at Muslim consumers.

Based in Jiangsu, China, the company has been active locally for eight years and began exporting halal-certified items two years ago.

Instead of offering its full product line, Suzhou McKeith Food focuses on a few bestsellers such as sweet and spicy sauce, Korean-style sauce, honey mustard, creamy garlic powder and cheese powder, produced at its halal facility. Its other products remain in non-halal production.

Entering the halal segment has required significant investment. Getting certified in China is expensive and complex, involving new packaging and even a separate factory. This reflects a wider challenge faced by many exhibitors dealing with inconsistent halal standards across different countries.

Although halal certification opens doors to the global halal market, it remains costly for companies that need to separate production lines to meet strict requirements. Still, Suzhou McKeith Food’s decision to establish a halal-dedicated facility shows its long-term commitment to the market.

Similarly, Korean rice cake producer Meal & Story views halal certification as essential for exports to Malaysia and other Muslim-majority countries.

Sales director Han Su-Il told TMR that the company is committed to obtaining halal certification despite the challenges.

“It is necessary for exporting to the Malaysian market,” he said, explaining that the company’s CEO considers halal a requirement, not a choice.

While more companies are applying for certification, Han noted that the process is still costly and difficult, especially for smaller businesses.

He added that the company has a separate team to handle halal compliance, underscoring the specialised effort involved.

Both companies made their debut at MIFB 2025 to explore market potential and introduce their products to the halal consumer market.

This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition

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Corporate Malaysia News

Gas Malaysia Energy Advance seals 15-year energy supply agreement with FGV IFFCO

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Ahmad Hashimi Abdul Manap (second from left), with Anurag Sen (third from left),

by TMR

GAS Malaysia Energy Advance Sdn Bhd (GMEA), a joint venture entity between Gas Malaysia Berhad and Tokyo Gas Engineering Solutions Corporation, has formalised a 15-year Energy Supply Agreement (ESA) with FGV IFFCO Sdn Bhd (FISB).

The official signing ceremony took place on Aug 27, 2025 at the Glenmarie Hotel and Golf Resort and was attended by representatives from both organisations.

Under the terms of the agreement, GMEA will design, construct, own, and operate a Gas Turbine Co-Generation System at FISB’s manufacturing facility.

The system is engineered to deliver up to 3.93 megawatts (MW) of electricity and 30 tonnes per hour of low-pressure steam, effectively fulfilling FISB’s industrial utility requirements efficiently and sustainably.

Construction is scheduled to commence following the execution of this agreement, with Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning (EPCC) expected to be completed in the middle of second quarter 2027.

The ESA was signed by Gas Malaysia’s president and group CEO and GMEA chairman Ahmad Hashimi Abdul Manap accompanied by New Ventures acting executive VP Mohd Shariff Lubis as witness. FISB was represented by its CEO Anurag Sen and its legal manager Zeida Farhana Mukti as witnesses.

Ahmad Hashimi Abdul Manap (seated, second from left), Anurag Sen (seated, third from left)

This strategic partnership reflects both parties’ shared commitment towards energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

By adopting high-efficiency co-generation technology, the project is expected to optimise energy usage at FISB’s facility delivering cost optimisation while significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

Commenting on the collaboration, Ahmad Hashimi said it represents a significant milestone in Gas Malaysia’s continued effort to provide efficient energy solutions that aligns well with the operational requirements and sustainability ambitions of its industrial clients.

“We are privileged to collaborate with FISB in advancing the low-carbon agenda,” he said in a statement.

At present, GMEA operates three cogeneration plants with a total capacity of 41.7 MW, with one strategically located in Shah Alam, Selangor and two in Prai, Penang, further strengthening the company’s role in reducing its carbon footprint.

Reflecting on its long-term strategic direction, the partnership is closely aligned with Gas Malaysia’s GM32 Strategy, a 10-year roadmap focused on strengthening the company’s core business, exploring adjacencies along the gas value chain and expanding into cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

It also aligns well with Malaysia’s broader energy transition agenda by promoting efficient, low-carbon technologies in line with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the country’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

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Singapore: Riding structural tailwinds toward stronger long-term highs

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Market highs driven by policy support, strong banks and semiconductors

by IFAST RESEARCH TEAM

STRAITS Times Index (STI) has gone on a record-breaking rally propelling the index to a new all-time high, with momentum continuing to push it beyond previous records.

The surge has been underpinned by multiple factors.

Heightened global uncertainty has prompted investors to rotate into lower-risk, yield-generating assets — benefiting the STI given its defensive profile and attractive dividend payouts.

Additionally, broad-based strength across key constituents has supported the uptrend. Notable contributors include ST Engineering Ltd, Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd and Sembcorp Industries Ltd.

Meanwhile, Singapore’s heavyweight banking stocks continued to grow steadily, further anchoring the index’s upward trajectory.

EQDP Catalyses Broader Market’s Attractiveness

Building on the STI’s strong performance, the broader Singapore equity market is gaining traction among global investors.

A major catalyst is the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s (MAS) S$5 billion (RM17.4 billion) Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP), aimed at revitalising interest in Singapore-listed equities.

In July 2025, the first tranche of S$1.1 billion was allocated to JPMorgan Securities (S) Pte Ltd, Avanda Investment Management Pte Ltd and Fullerton Fund Management Co Ltd to seed actively managed funds targeting a wide range of stocks, particularly under-researched small- and mid-cap companies.

Complementing this initiative, the enhanced Grant for Equity Market Singapore (GEMS), now offers up to S$6,000 per research report, encouraging broader coverage of lesser-known SGX-listed firms, including pre-IPO candidates.

These measures are expected to boost liquidity in small- and mid-cap segments in the near term while gradually broadening investor participation across the market.

As capital and research flow into undervalued areas, this could drive fairer valuations and re-ratings, particularly for fundamentally strong but overlooked companies.

EQDP also supports the growth of local and international fund managers, fostering the development of dedicated Singapore equity strategies.

Together, these initiatives should enhance market efficiency, generate greater investor interest and strengthen Singapore’s capital markets ecosystem — creating meaningful long-term opportunities for both institutional and retail investors.

Geopolitical Stability Underscores Investment Appeal

Beyond opportunity, Singapore also offers stability. Despite rising global trade tensions — particularly from evolving US tariff policies, Singapore’s economy demonstrates enduring strength.

It currently enjoys the lowest baseline US tariff rate at just 10%, which is considerably lower than regional peers facing rates of 15% to 25%.

Although higher US tariffs may weaken global trade and dampen demand for Singapore’s trade-linked sectors, the country’s comparatively lower tariff exposure enhances its attractiveness as a sourcing alternative.

US buyers and global firms seeking to avoid heavy tariffs elsewhere may reroute trade and investment flows into Singapore.

With strengths in high-precision and advanced manufacturing, Singapore is well-positioned to benefit from supply chain diversification — reinforcing its role as a trusted global trade and capital hub.

Notably, Singapore is the only ASEAN economy running a trade deficit with the US, which could improve its prospects for continued preferential treatment in future trade negotiations. The country is also actively engaging US counterparts to seek tariff reductions on strategic sectors such as pharmaceuticals — a core pillar of its advanced manufacturing base.

Success in these talks could further boost trade volumes and attract investment into high-value industries.

In addition, the government also continues to take proactive steps to mitigate external turbulence.

On July 10, 2025, the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce (SERT) announced a new Business Adaptation Grant, set to launch in October.

The programme will offer up to S$100,000 in financial support to help local enterprises restructure supply chains, adopt new trade strategies and mitigate tariff-related disruptions.

Strategic Leadership in the Global Semiconductor Ecosystem

Singapore plays an increasingly strategic role in the global semiconductor supply chain, contributing 5% of global wafer fabrication capacity, 20% of semiconductor equipment production and 10% of total semiconductor output.

The newly launched National Semiconductor Translation and Innovation Centre for Gallium Nitride (NSTIC-GaN) aims to localise the production of GaN — a key enabler of next-generation technologies.

This initiative prepares Singapore to better capitalise on the growing global demand for semiconductors, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), 5G/6G, electric vehicles (EV) and space technologies.

Singapore semiconductor companies have already begun to benefit from strong industry tailwinds, reflected in improved earnings and positive guidance.

AEM Holdings Ltd delivered a strong start to the year, with the first quarter of 2025 (1Q25) net profit surging 42.9% year-on-year (YoY) and net margin improving from 2.5% to 3.9%.

The company also raised its first half of 2025 (1H25) revenue guidance to S$185 million-S$195 million (up from S$155 million-S$170 million), underscoring its strong execution and continued ability to deliver value to investors.

UMS Integration Ltd reported a 19% increase in semiconductor component sales, driving revenue growth and an impressive 1Q net profit.

The company also reaffirmed its 2Q25 revenue growth guidance of +10% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ).

After two years of earnings contraction, UMS Integration is now turning a corner, marking a clear and positive shift in momentum.

Frencken Group Ltd saw its semiconductor segment revenue surge 34% YoY in 1Q25, fuelled by a strong rebound in sales from its Asia operations.

With robust demand for AI chip equipment expected to continue in 2025, revenue growth is likely to remain strong and earnings momentum is projected to accelerate — nearly doubling the pace recorded in the previous year.

Industrial advancements, coupled with structural strengths, continue to reinforce investor confidence in Singapore’s long-term market potential.

Foundations in Place for Recovery in the Singapore REIT Ecosystem

REITs are currently trading at an average price-to-book (P/B) ratio of around 0.9x — a discount to their historical average of 1x while the underlying performance has stayed solid. Most S-REITs with Singapore retail assets record double-digit positive rent reversions and robust occupancy rates despite softer retail outlook.

A structural bright spot continues to emerge in the form of data centre REITs.

In the light of the surge in digital transformation and AI infrastructure investment, data centres are benefiting from multi-year secular tailwinds.

The recent listing of NTT Global Data Centres REIT — Singapore’s largest IPO since 2017, raising US$773 million (RM 3.27 billion), marks an important moment for the sector.

The listing reinforces Singapore’s strategic position as a digital infrastructure hub and validates investor expectations in the long-term demand trend for data centres.

Attractive Valuations with Plenty of Upside Potential

These dynamics collectively suggest that the STI may continue on a “slow but steady” growth trajectory. While near-term gains could moderate, the index offers an attractive risk-adjusted opportunity.

As the global macro landscape evolves, with trade tension and regional growth showing signs of stabilisation, Singapore’s STI remains well-positioned to reward patient, long-term investors.

The views expressed are of the research team and do not necessarily reflect the stand of the newspaper’s owners and editorial board.

This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition

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