MALAYSIA TOTAL TRADE HITS RM270.39 BILLION
Malaysia registered a total trade of RM270.39 billion in June 2022, 43.4% increase as compared to June 2021. Exports and imports recorded at 38.8% rose to RM146.2 billion and 49.3% surging to RM124.23 billion in June 2022, respectively. However, trade surplus declined marginally at 0.8% year-on-year to RM21.9 billion in June 2022. Singapore continued to be the largest contributor to the total exports standing at 14.7%, followed by China (12.6%) and the United States (11.5%). The higher imports were contributed by consumption goods that rose 25.6% to RM9.23 billion; intermediate goods increased by 46.9% to RM64.41 billion followed by the higher imports of industrial processed supplies; and capital goods at RM11.15 billion (9% of total imports) grew by 30.4% year-on-year with higher imports of industrial transport equipment.
On a month-on-month basis, the trade surplus was 72.7% higher. Total trade increased by 18.4%, supported by 21.3% rise in exports and 15.2% jump in imports.
In 2Q22, Malaysia’s total trade grew 32.7% quarter-on-quarter to RM730.36 billion. Exports increased 30% to RM394.24 billion while imports increased 36.1% to RM336.13 billion. Trade surplus edged up by 3.2% to RM58.11 billion. As compared to 1Q22, total trade, exports and imports rose by 16.9%, 14.3% and 20.1% respectively, while trade surplus contracted by 10.6%. The export growth was contributed by strong demand for electrical and electronics (E&E) products, petroleum products, liquefied natural gas, and palm oil & palm oil-based agriculture products. Double-digit growth was recorded in exports to notably Asean countries, the United States, the European Union and Japan. Exports to Singapore rose by RM8.99 billion, followed by Indonesia (RM2.27 billion), Thailand (RM1.12 billion), Vietnam (RM623.7 million), and the Philippines (RM572.4 million).
(The Sun, The Star & NST, 21/07/2022)
KELANTAN RECORDED THE LARGEST AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE IN 2020
Kelantan recorded the highest average household size of 4.9 people in 2020. This was followed by Sabah with 4.7 and Terengganu with 4.1 and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur with the lowest at 3.3. Sabah recorded the most significant decrease in average size from 5.5 in 2010 to 4.7 in 2020. The main findings of the 2020 Malaysian Population and Housing Census showed the highest percentage of residents according to the state constituencies in Kelantan were in Panchor with 75,940, followed by Bukit Panau with 68,462 and Tanjong Mas with 66,760. It also stated that Kelantan’s gross domestic product (GDP) recorded a positive growth of 2.4% in 2021 compared with a decrease of 1.2% in 2020. Kelantan’s economy is monopolised by the service and agriculture sectors, which contribute 92% to the state GDP. The economic growth is contributed by the services sector, totalling 69.2%, followed by the agriculture sector with 22.8%, the manufacturing sector at 4.9%, the construction and mining sector at 1.6% and the quarrying sector at 1.4%.
(The Sun, 22/07/2022)
STAMP DUTY EXEMPTIONS FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS
The government has launched the Keluarga Malaysia Home Ownership Initiative (i-MILIKI) to help more people in the country to own their first house. The i-MILIKI incentive is a stamp duty exemption that applies for instrument of transfers and loan agreements for the purchase of houses. First-time buyer of houses priced RM500,000 and below will enjoy 100% stamp duty exemption whilst houses priced between RM500,000 and RM1 million will receive 50% of stamp duty exemption.
The initiative is applicable for sale and purchase agreements entered since 1st June 2022 until December 2023.
(The Star & NST, 16/07/2022; The Edge, 19/7/2022)
MINISTRY TO DEVELOP AFFORDABLE HOUSING PRICE INDEX
The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) is developing an Affordable Housing Price Index for each location nationwide as a guide for developers, prospective buyers and local authorities to determine the appropriate price of affordable housing in an area or locality. The set up of the index is due to different standards or definitions of affordable housing in various localities and States.
(The Edge, 19/07/2022)
30 PROJECTS WORTH RM100 MILLION TO BE SHELVED
Some 30 projects, involving cost of about RM100 million, have been identified to be shelved. The projects included the construction of an integrated rubber processing centre under the Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry; procurement of equipment to modernise workshops in the electrical field, high-tech training centre and overseas training under the Human Resources Ministry and strategic research projects under the International Trade and Industry Ministry. However, projects such as the MRT Circle Line (MRT3), the East Coast Rail Link Project (ECRL) and the Pan Borneo Highway would continue. Projects to be shelved involved new and existing projects which procurement process and advertisement had not yet begun, non-priority projects, except those that have an immediate impact on the wellbeing of the people, and new and existing projects that could not be implemented yet due to site issues. For projects that are currently being implemented, tender advertisements, Letters of Intent and Letters of Acceptance had been issued, including projects that were financed from the Infra Fund would be continued. The decision is to support the government’s efforts to speed up economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic.
(NST & The Sun, 22/07/2022)
SHUTTLE TRAIN SERVICES BETWEEN PERLIS AND HATYAI RESUMED
The shuttle train service between Padang Besar in Perlis, Malaysia, and Hatyai, Thailand, is back in operation on 15th July 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The train service offers two trips daily between Padang Besar and Hatyai. For the Padang Besar-Hatyai route, the trips are at 9.55am and 4.40pm (Malaysian time) and for the Hatyai-Padang Besar route, the trips are at 7.30am and 2.00pm (Thailand time).
(The Star & NST, 16/07/2022)
JALAN KINRARA 6 EXTENSION FULLY OPEN TO MOTORIST
A stretch connecting Jalan Kinrara 6 in Puchong and Persiaran Puncak Jalil in Seri Kembangan is fully open to motorists following the completion of upgrading works. The new 500 meter road, which is an extension of Jalan Kinrara 6, serves as an alternative route for approximately 10,000 households in Bandar Kinrara, Damai Utama and Puncak Jalil. The new stretch would help to alleviate congestion outside Enggang Apartments on Jalan Kinrara 6F and along Persiaran Puncak Jalil. The road was insisted by Subang Jaya City Council to install traffic lights and street lights together with drainage systems before it was given approval and opened the road on 8th July 2022. The overall cost of the project was RM7 million and it had taken over five years to complete.
(The Star, 18/07/2022)
KOTA BHARU SENTRAL BUS TERMINAL EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY END 2025
The new Kota Bharu Sentral Integrated Bus Terminal is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The request for proposal (RFP) for the Kota Bharu Sentral Integrated Bus Terminal development project was issued by the end of 2020 as a replacement for the temporary bus terminal in the Lembah Sireh. The RFP process was slightly disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the state government, on 1st June 2022, has selected a company listed on the stock exchange main board to implement the Kota Bharu Sentral development on 17.37 acres of land comprising integrated bus terminal, commercial buildings, and apartment. The other developments mentioned will be completed within 9 years except for the new integrated bus terminal.
(The Sun, 19/07/2022)
MRT TO APPOINT SEVERAL COMPANIES FOR MRT3 PROJECT
Several companies are in the midst of being appointed by Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp) to begin work on the MRT Circle Line (MRT3) project. The development of the MRT3 project involves five work packages, including a project management consultant (PMC), three for civil works (CMC) and one for the system works. As of current, the MRT Corp is appointing for PMC and CMC whilst tender will soon to be opened for system works project. The MRT3 project would cover a 51 kilometres loop with 39 kilometres located in Kuala Lumpur and 12 kilometres in Selangor. Among the whole route, 12 kilometres will be underground while the rest will be elevated. The project would also involve the development of two depots and 33 stations, of which 10 are interchange stations that connect the MRT3 to existing KTM, LRT, monorail, MRT Kajang Line and MRT Putrajaya Line stations.
(The Sun & The Star, 20/07/2022)
NEW LRT TRAINS FOR KELANA JAYA LRT LINE
The Kelana Jaya LRT line is set to receive 27 new light rail transit trains beginning July 2023, of which 8 out of 27 trains are scheduled to begin operations in stages from July 2023, with the remaining 19 to enter in line by December 2024. The upcoming trains are under the Kuala Lumpur Additional Vehicle (KLAV) 27 project valued at RM1.72 billion. The supply contract was awarded to Hartasuma Sdn Bhd, which is in a consortium with Alstom S.A., a global rolling stock manufacturer.
(The Sun & The Star & NST, 21/07/2022)
MATRIX CONCEPT TO LAUNCH NEW PROJECT IN BANDAR SRI SENDAYAN
Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd plans to launch a residential project comprising double storey houses, Resort Residence 2 in Bandar Sri Sendayan, a self-sustaining integrated township developed by Matrix Concepts in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.
(The Edge Markets, 18/07/2022)
HOUSING UNITS FOR ARMY VETERANS TO BE BUILT FROM 2023
A total of 12,733 Rumah Keluarga Malaysia Angkatan Tentera (RKMAT) housing units will be built in five phases from 2023 to 2030 for veterans. The government is also targeting to upgrade 80% of the existing 7,292 units including furniture replacement under the Housing Blueprint 3.0 initiative launched by the Ministry of Defence. 4,200 RKMAT homes had already been built at several armed forces bases across the country, while another 552 units are expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
(The Star, 22/07/2022)
MAH SING TO LAUNCH M NOVA IN TAMAN WAHYU
Mah Sing Group Bhd is planning to launch M Nova, a mixed development project comprising 3 blocks of serviced residences with a total of 2,074 units and 11 retail lots on an 8.08 acres site located in Taman Wahyu in 4Q22. The estimated gross development value of the project is about RM790 million and set to be the third development by Mah Sing Group in Kepong, after Lakeville Residence and M Luna.
(NST & The Edge Markets, 16/07/2022; StarProperty, 18/7/2022)
800 AFFORDABLE HOUSES TO BE BUILT IN MANTIN
A total of 800 affordable houses will be built in Mantin under a 60.8 acres project which was a former mining town. A joint venture between NS Corporation and Multiplex Development, construction is scheduled to start at the end of 2022 and expected to be completed by 2026. The houses will be built in three sizes and priced between RM80,000 and RM360,000. Locals in Nilai constituency would be prioritize by giving the choice to purchase the cheapest range, measuring at 20 ft. x 59 ft. and the houses are reserved for them. Interested buyers from surrounding areas could register with the State Government first and will be offered if there are extra units available.
(The Star, 19/07/2022; The Sun, 21/07/2022)
OCBC PROVIDES BRIDGING LOAN TO ASTRUM AMPANG HOUSING PROJECT
OCBC Bank (M) Bhd has provided a RM299.5 million bridging loan to Setia Awan Holdings Sdn Bhd’s unit, Astrum Ampang Sdn Bhd, for the development of sustainable urban housing named Astrum Ampang, in Taman Keramat. The project includes 5,228 units of SoHo transit homes, Rumah Mampu Milik (RMM) SoHos, serviced apartments, and 27 retail units. It has a total gross development value of RM1.6 billion. The proposed project includes a pedestrian bridge connecting Astrum Ampang to the Jelatek LRT Station which is 150 metres away from the project site. First phase of the development priced at RM230,000 to RM270,000 and it is expected to be completed in 2026.
(NST & The Sun, 19/07/2022)
IJM LAND 2 PILOT PROJECTS TO KICK START SWITCH SCHEME
IJM Land Bhd will carry out pilot projects of its two developments to kick start with SWITCH scheme, a buy-back scheme for homebuyers and homeowners. The two developments are Savvy, Riana Dutamas KL and Duta Perintis Apartments, Bandar Alam Suria. Savvy is a freehold serviced residence with built-ups ranging from 722 sq. ft. to 1,232 sq. ft. The development is located near Kuala Lumpur city and is close to public amenities, with a selling price starting from RM540,000. It is expected to be completed by 2024. Duta Perintis Apartments is a low-density apartment with a built-up size of 850 sq. ft., comprising three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two carpark bays. The indicative selling price starts from RM310,000. IJM Land has formed a partnership with RHB Bank Bhd to bring forth the SWITCH scheme. It allows homeowners to return their property to the developer due to involuntary unemployment during the coverage period, which is from the date of the sale and purchase agreement (SPA) and up to a 12-month period from the date of the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC).
(The Edge Markets, 21/07/2022)
MCT’S ALIRA PHASE 2 IS TAKEN-UP FOR 30%
Phase 2 of MCT Bhd’s Alira in Tropicana Metropark, Subang Jaya has seen a take-up rate of 30% during the launch event. It comprises 340 units with a gross development value of RM257 million. It offers built-ups ranging from 850 sq. ft. to 1,048 sq. ft., with an indicative selling price from RM655,800 and is expected to be completed by 2026.
(The Edge, StarProperty & The Sun, 19/07/2022)
SELANGOR TO DEVELOP AEROSPACE INDUSTRIAL PARK IN SEPANG
The Selangor State Government will transform a 2,000 acres in Sepang for an aerospace industrial park, namely Selangor International Aero Park (SAP). SAP is a Selangor State Government initiative to meet the growing demand from existing and new aerospace industry players to establish Asia Pacific regional operations in Malaysia. The SAP will be made possible through collaborations between the state government, property developers, key aerospace and aviation agencies, and industry players. It is intended to be a free trade zone that will accommodate activities such as aircraft teardown, aircraft retrofitting, engine and aero manufacturing, training and research centres, and development labs. Smart hangars, office complexes, test bed facilities, and bonded warehouses will be part of the industrial park.
(NST & The Sun, 21/07/2022)
NCT GROUP FORMS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS FOR SMART INDUSTRIAL PARK
NCT Group has entered into five strategic partnerships to prepare for its upcoming Selangor Smart Industrial Park (SSIP) project. Memoranda of understanding were signed between NCT Group, Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation, Furniweb Holdings Ltd, KS Industrial Tools Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Solarvest Holdings Bhd and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman. The partnerships are aimed at supporting its vision of offering the highest standards of services to create a sustainable, efficient and productive working environment at the smart industrial park. Solarvest Holdings Bhd will develop 1,000 units of solar ready factories and warehouses in SSIP to reduce industrial and commercial carbon footprints.
(The Star, The Edge Markets & The Edge, 21/07/2022)
SAMSUNG SDI ENERGY TO BUILD NEW FACILITY IN SEREMBAN
Samsung SDI Energy Malaysia Sdn Bhd (SDIEM) will invest RM7 billion to build a state-of-the-art facility to manufacture batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) near its existing plant at the Taman Tuanku Ja’afar Industrial Area. The new facility is expected to begin operation in 2025 and it will see production of some 800 million battery cells a year. There will be 7 new buildings and an additional 132kV electric substation that can produce EV battery cells in the second phase.
(The Star & The Sun, 22/07/2022)
SKF MALAYSIA LAUNCHES RAILWAY REMANUFACTURING SERVICE CENTRE IN NILAI
SKF Malaysia Sdn Bhd launches the first railway manufacturing service centre in Nilai factory in Negeri Sembilan. This is to address the needs for maintenance and service of the growing railway sector in Southeast Asia and help to capitalise on the benefits of the circular economy. The centre will provide remanufacturing services for tapered roller bearing units (TBUs) and cylindrical roller units (CRUs) for passenger and freight trains.
(The Sun, 22/07/2022)
LEUZE ELECTRONIC PLANS TO DOUBLE INVESTMENT TO RM200 MIL IN MELAKA
German-based global optical sensor manufacturer Leuze Electronic Malaysia Sdn Bhd plans to increase its investment to RM200 million in the near future with the operation of its new plant in Bukit Rambai, Melaka in early 2021. The company had invested RM100 million, including its factory building cost of RM50 million with eight production lines.
(The Edge Markets, 20/07/2022)
AIRASIA X LAUNCHES LATEST SERVICES TO AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
AirAsia X (AAX) has announced its latest services to Melbourne (Tullamarine) and Perth in Australia, as well as Auckland in New Zealand after a two-year hiatus, which will all take flight from 1st November 2022. The airline said these three key routes boost the airline’s robust growth plans with 13-routes set to be operating in 2022, including Sydney, New Delhi, Seoul, Tokyo, Sapporo, Osaka and Honolulu, as well as London, Dubai and Istanbul. AAX will recommence its services to Melbourne (Tullamarine), Perth and Auckland (via Sydney) with three weekly flights from November and will gradually increase the frequency to daily flights by the 1Q23 to meet pent-up solid demand.
(NST, 19/07/2022)
PASSENGER TRAFFIC UP BY MORE THAN SIX TIMES IN 1H22
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB)’s total domestic passenger movements increased by over six times year-on-year to 20.25 million passengers in the first half of 2022 (1H22). In June 2022, Malaysia’s total passenger traffic movements came in at 4.54 million passengers, making up 63% of the group’s total passenger movements of 7.21 million, which included Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, an international airport manage by MAHB in Istanbul, Turkiye. Malaysia recorded 1.29 million international traffic passengers while the domestic traffic was 3.24 million passengers. The total international traffic surpassed one million passenger mark for the first time since the pandemic. It recorded 1.09 million international passengers which was a 21% increase from May 2022. Other international airports in our local network have also recorded increased passenger volumes of between 35% and 66% in June 2022 compared with May 2022. The encouraging performance is contributed by the active resumption of foreign carriers and international routes.
(The Star & The Edge Markets, 21/07/2022)
MAS DOUBLES CAPACITY BETWEEN KL AND DOHA WITH SECOND DAILY FLIGHT
Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is doubling its capacity between Kuala Lumpur and Doha with a second daily non-stop flight starting 10th August 2022, on the back of high passenger demand on the route. The twice-daily flights bring the total number of MAS flights to Doha at 14 flights weekly. The increasing travel demand following the easing of the border restrictions leads to the collaboration of MAS and Qatar Airways in doubling the flights. MAS is expected to achieve passenger capacity of more than 70% of pre of pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022.
(The Edge Markets, 20/07/2022)
MRCB APPOINTED TO REDEVELOP SHAH ALAM STADIUM
Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd (MRCB) has been appointed by the Selangor government to redevelop the Shah Alam Stadium. The construction group received a letter of intent (LOI) from the state government on 15th July 2022. The stadium is expected to be completed in 2026, with a development cost not exceeding RM787 million, to be borne by MRCB. The developer will also be granted a land swap for the development. A proposal to tear down the Shah Alam Stadium was raised as the stadium was plagued with issues, including problems with the roofs, piping system and the field. The proposed development of the stadium was said to take at least two years and was expected to be completed in line with the construction of the Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) line nearby.
(The Edge, 19/07/2022)
GADANG UNDERTAKES SUBCONTRACT WORKS IN RTS LINK PROJECT
Gadang Holdings Bhd is undertaking subcontract works for a total sum of RM680 million in the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) project connecting Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru to Woodlands, Singapore. Its wholly owned subsidiary Gadang Engineering accepted two letter of awards from Adil Permata Sdn Bhd, the main contractor of the RTS Link project. The first is worth RM370 million and the second is valued at RM310 million, both expected to be completed by 30 June 2024.
(The Sun & The Edge Markets, 20/07/2022)
HOMEVEST AND R&F TIES UP FOR PRINCESS COVE COLLABORATION
Homevest Sdn Bhd and R&F Group have signed a memorandum of understanding to enter into a strategic partnership for megaproject Princess Cove. The 116-acre Princess Cove is located next to Johor ICQ and the Woodlands Causeway. The project includes hotels, offices, parks, shopping malls, clubhouses, and apartments.
(StarProperty, 21/07/2022)
STeP PHASE 1 GARNERS RM12.5 BILLION TOTAL CUMULATIVE INVESTMENT
The total accumulated investment for the high-tech industrial hub Sedenak Tech Park (STeP) Phase 1 in Kulai has reached RM12.5 billion so far. The STeP Phase 1 is located on approximately 745 acres of land. The area is planned as a State data centre hub under the Johor Sustainable Development Plan 2030. STeP was formerly known as Kulai Iskandar Data Exchange (Kidex).
(The Edge Markets, 21/07/2022)
BUKIT MERTAJAM HOSPITAL CEASED OUTPATIENT SERVICE
The outpatient department of Bukit Mertajam Hospital in Seberang Prai will cease operations effective 1st August 2022. After 1st of August, those seeking outpatient treatment would have to go to the new health clinic in Bandar Perda or other clinics in the district. There are nine health clinics and two community clinics in Central Seberang Prai district.
Of the nine clinics, Seberang Jaya, Bukit Minyak, Kubang Semang, Berapit and Prai offer family medicine specialist services and the other four are located in Bandar Perda, Machang Bubok, Permatang Pauh and Bukit Tengah. Bukit Mertajam Hospital would be focusing on specialist, emergency and inpatient services and the Orthopaedic and General Surgery clinics will be moving to the site left vacant by the outpatient department. Once relocated, the existing Orthopaedic clinic will be converted into a Palliative Complex.
(The Star, 18/07/2022)
NEW OPEN AIR CAR PARK TO EASE WOES FOR TEMPLE IN PRAI
A new open air car park nearby the Sri Muniswarar Temple at Jalan Baru, Prai on Penang mainland, is going to complete in December 2022 at a cost of RM700,000, fully borne by the temple. The new car park would be able to cater up to 450 vehicles and devotees will be able to park for free. The 4.9 acres of government land is allocated to the temple through Penang Endowment Board.
(The Star, 16/07/2022)
NAIM HOLDINGS INKS MOU WITH SARAWAK METRO TO COLLABORATE ON KUTS
Naim Holdings Bhd through its subsidiary Peranan Makmur Sdn Bhd (PMSB), has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd to collaborate on the implementation and management of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS). Sarawak Metro, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Sarawak Economic Development Corp (SEDC), has been entrusted by the Sarawak government to develop KUTS to alleviate traffic congestion in Kuching and its surrounding areas. The core of KUTS project is the ART system, a hydrogen-powered autonomous rail transit system which will help in decarbonising the state’s public transportation system and realise the state government’s drive toward a hydrogen economy. Sarawak’s integrated public transportation system will be developed in stages, beginning in 2022 and is expected to be operational by 2025, while the entire Phase 1 is expected to be operational by 2027.
(The Sun, 19/07/2022; The Star, 20/07/2022)
SARAWAK SETTING UP SWINBURNE MINI SATELLITE CAMPUS IN GEDONG
Sarawak is setting up a mini satellite campus of Swinburne Sarawak University in Gedong, outside Serian to conduct research and development related to paddy and agriculture. This is in line with the State Government’s policy to become a net food exporter and to reduce dependency on imported products with modern agricultural approaches.
(NST, 18/07/2022)