Week 1 - 2026
LFE CORP SECURES RM11.5 MILLION JOB
The Edge, 01/01/2026
LFE Corp Bhd announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, LFE Engineering Sdn Bhd, has accepted a letter of intent from Sunway Construction Bhd for a subcontract involving the completion of a proposed data centre and office project in Taman Teknologi Malaysia, Petaling, Kuala Lumpur. Promoted by Amazon Data Services Sdn Bhd, the RM11.5 million contract commenced on 30 December 2025, and is scheduled for completion by 11 August 2026.
PHB TARGETS NEW GROWTH SECTORS ACROSS KEY REGIONS
NST, 29/12/2026
Pelaburan Hartanah Bhd (PHB) plans to expand its exposure to high-potential sectors over the next three to five years, with a focus on Kedah, Johor, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak, as it shifts its strategy towards future-driven asset classes. Sabah and Sarawak are emerging as key focus areas due to strong prospects in green energy, regional logistics and sustainable development, while Kedah and Johor continue to offer opportunities supported by growth in the E&E, semiconductor and logistics sectors. PHB has strengthened its portfolio through the acquisition of industrial assets in Kulim Hi-Tech Park and Port of Tanjung Pelepas, providing stable income from global tenants, and through regional expansion such as the Mayang Mall development in Terengganu.
SELANGOR’S 30% LOCAL CONTENT RULE TO CREATE FEWER, BIGGER, HIGHER-VALUE DATA CENTRE PROJECTS
The Edge, 29/12/2025
Selangor’s introduction of a 30% local content requirement for new data centres, following Johor’s tighter approval regime, is likely to result in fewer but larger, more capital-intensive and higher-value projects. The policy, announced in November 2025 aims to enhance domestic economic spillovers by mandating local participation across areas such as integrated circuit design, cooling systems, engineering works and related services, addressing concerns that data centre investments generate limited multiplier effects. Coupled with Johor’s restrictions that now favour more efficient Tier III and IV facilities due to water constraints, the shift signals a move from quantity to quality in data centre development, benefitting experienced hyperscale-grade players such as Gamuda Bhd and Sunway Construction. Johor is projected to reach about 500MW of data centre capacity by 2025 and 3GW by 2030, while Selangor is expected to see two major 1GW projects over the next three years.
MARRIOTT PETALING JAYA OPENS, FORMERLY EASTIN HOTEL
The Edge, 29/12/2025
Marriott Hotels, the flagship brand of Marriott Bonvoy, has announced the opening of the 393-key Petaling Jaya Marriott Hotel, following the rebranding of the former Eastin Hotel Kuala Lumpur after an agreement between TSM Global Bhd and Marriott International Inc in July. Strategically located along the SPRINT highway near the Phileo Damansara MRT station, the hotel is positioned as an urban sanctuary catering to both families and business travellers in Petaling Jaya’s established commercial district. The property offers family-friendly rooms and amenities, including bunk-bed family rooms and a Kids Club, alongside facilities such as dining outlets, an M Club Lounge, fitness centre, outdoor pool and 11 meeting rooms. The hotel was previously sold by CP Group to a private vehicle linked to Datuk Lim Kheng Yew for approximately RM200 million.
CRESCENDO’S UPCOMING LAUNCH
The Edge, 30/12/2025
Crescendo remains optimistic about Johor’s property market, supported by infrastructure developments such as the Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link and the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone. The group plans to launch 167 units of mid- to high-end landed residential properties and 24 units of semi-detached factories at Bandar Cemerlang with a total GDV of RM289 million over the next year, while maintaining a prudent, cost-conscious approach amid rising operating costs. It also noted that the recent cut in Bank Negara Malaysia’s overnight policy rate is expected to support housing demand and declared a special single-tier dividend of six sen per share, payable on Feb 10, 2026.
AXIS REIT EXPANDS JOHOR FOOTPRINT WITH RM34.6 MIL INDUSTRIAL ACQUISITION IN SENAI
The Edge & The Star, 01/01/2025
Axis Real Estate Investment Trust (Axis REIT) has announced the acquisition of a 0.81-acre leasehold industrial property in Senai, Johor, for RM34.6 million. The industrial land will be developed into a double-storey detached factory with a mezzanine floor, a double-storey office building and ancillary facilities, with direct access to the Second Link Highway and the Senai–Desaru Highway. The acquisition will be undertaken by RHB Trustees Bhd from Banyan Estate Malaysia Sdn Bhd, with the buildings to be developed under a build-and-lease arrangement and fully occupied by FCI Connectors Malaysia Sdn Bhd upon completion.
BUTTERWORTH KTM STATION, AIRPORT CARGO UPGRADES TO BALANCE PENANG GROWTH
NST, 28/12/2025
The planned upgrade of the Butterworth KTM Station and the expansion of the air cargo terminal at Penang International Airport are expected to be key catalysts in promoting more balanced development between Penang Island and Seberang Perai. The projects complement each other by enhancing mobility, strengthening logistics capacity and supporting more even distribution of economic growth. The Butterworth KTM Station upgrade, which includes improved waiting areas, a multi-level lobby, escalators and better connectivity with public transport such as the planned Penang LRT, is expected to begin construction in early 2026 following completion of design and planning in 2025. Meanwhile, preliminary works for the airport’s air cargo terminal expansion are slated for the 1Q26, with completion targeted for the 4Q28, increasing annual cargo capacity by 337,280 tonnes to about 487,000 tonnes. Together with initiatives such as the Penang International Logistics Airpark, these developments are expected to enhance Penang’s competitiveness as a logistics and trade hub, attract new investments particularly in high-tech sectors and support more balanced and sustainable economic growth across the state.
S P SETIA LAUNCHES SETIA SV2 IN JELUTONG, PENANG
The Edge, 31/12/2025
S P Setia Bhd has launched Setia SV2, a 34-storey low-density residential development in Lorong Slim, Jelutong, Penang, on 16 November 2025, with a gross development value of RM343 million. The freehold project comprises 268 units on a 2.3-acre site and is scheduled for completion by early 2030. Targeting both investors and owner-occupiers, Setia SV2 offers a range of unit layouts from 1,087 sq. ft. to 1,647 sq. ft., priced from RM969,000 per unit, which cater to singles, young couples, growing families and multi-generational households, incorporating flexible layouts and accessible designs. The development features sustainable elements such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting and EV charging stations, alongside comprehensive lifestyle facilities including pools, sports and leisure amenities, co-working spaces and landscaped gardens.
TWENTY-FOUR-STOREY SHERATON KOTA KINABALU OPENS DOORS
The Edge, 30/12/2025
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy, has opened the 307-key Sheraton Kota Kinabalu, a 24-storey hotel, along Jalan Albert Kwok, opposite CentrePoint Sabah and near the Kota Kinabalu Chamber of Commerce. The average room rate of the hotel ranges between RM600 and RM650 per night. Designed to reflect Sabah’s culture and hospitality, the property features extensive meeting and event facilities, including a 7,567 sq. ft. grand ballroom, four meeting rooms and a wedding pavilion. Guest amenities include a communal lobby concept, infinity pool, fitness centre and spa, while its food and beverage offerings comprise a Japanese restaurant, all-day dining outlet &More by Sheraton, The Burger Box and a rooftop bar overlooking the South China Sea.
