Week 14 - 2026
MALAYSIA’S FEBRUARY TRADE TOTALS RM245.2 BILLION WITH EXPORTS RISING 10.8%
The Edge, 28/03/2026
Malaysia’s February 2026 trade totalled RM245.2 billion with exports and imports of RM131 billion and RM114.2 billion respectively, according to Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). Meanwhile, exports recorded a RM12.7 billion rise, or 10.8%, year-on-year.
The increase in exports was attributed to higher exports from Penang, which increased by RM21.2 billion to RM61.7 billion, while Kuala Lumpur chalked up an improvement in exports by RM198.1 million to RM4.7 billion, and Perak’s export grew by RM108.1 million to RM3.1 billion.
Penang remained the top exporter with 47.1%, followed by Johor (17.7%), Selangor (13.8%), Sarawak (5.9%), and Kuala Lumpur (3.6%).
Imports in February 2026 increased RM8.6 billion (8.2%), from RM105.6 billion in February 2025 to RM114.2 billion. The increase in imports was attributed to higher imports in most states, such as Penang, whose incoming shipments rose RM9.3 billion to RM33.5 billion, while Kedah added RM1.2 billion to RM6.1 billion, and Kuala Lumpur climbed RM1 billion to RM9.6 billion.
THREE NEW AIRLINES BRIDGE TWO CONTINENTS
The Sun, 03/04/2026
KL International Airport (KLIA) has recently welcomed two new airlines, AeroDili (8G) and Air Algerie, that will further expand Malaysia’s connectivity across Asia and Africa. Meanwhile, Penang International Airport (PIA) marks the entry of Qingdao Airlines from China. AeroDili operates twice-weekly direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Timor-Leste. Air Algerie’s entry into KLIA is creating the first direct link to Algeria. Operating thrice weekly, the route opens a new North African corridor with no direct competition, complementing existing African connectivity via Ethiopian Airlines and Air Mauritius. At PIA, Qingdao Airlines’ new service flies from Qingdao thrice weekly.
ARMANI GROUP EYEING HAKKA RESTAURANT LAND IN KL AT AROUND RM5,000 PSF
The Edge, 30/03/2026
The sale of the freehold prime land on which the famous Hakka Restaurant sits in Jalan Raja Chulan in Kuala Lumpur is in its final stages. Hakka Restaurant sits in Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur, located on two plots of land with a combined size of 3.56 acres. Lot 381 measures 1.72 acres while Lot 382 is 1.84 acres. The buyer, Armani Group, offered about RM5,000 per sq. ft., which works out to RM775.75 million, to the land owner Loke Wan Yat Realty Sdn Bhd.
TAN CHONG COMPLETES RM148.8 MILLION JALAN PUTRA LAND DISPOSAL IN KUALA LUMPUR
Edgeprop.my, 28/03/2026
Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd (Tan Chong Motor) has officially completed the RM148.8 million disposal of nine plots of prime freehold land along Jalan Putra to the buyer, Solid Interest Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary under the Avaland Holdings umbrella).
KPS CONSORTIUM BAGS RM107 MILLION APARTMENT CONSTRUCTION JOB
The Edge, 28/03/2026
KPS Consortium Bhd has secured a RM106.96 million construction contract for a high-rise residential project near Kuala Lumpur. The contract was awarded by Hektar Giat Sdn Bhd, the developer of the proposed 35-storey building comprising 356 apartment units and five floors of car park, located in Cheras. The contract commenced on March 25 and is expected to be completed within three years. The scope of works include the provision of labour, materials, machinery and tools for the construction.
SHANGRI-LA HOTELS MALAYSIA BOOSTS UBN TOWER RENTALS
The Edge, 30/03/2026
Shangri-La Hotels (Malaysia) Bhd via its wholly owned unit has renewed related-party tenancy agreements for office space at UBN Tower in Kuala Lumpur at rental rates that are 3% higher, effective April 2026. UBN Tower Sdn Bhd signed the tenancy agreements on March 30 with Kuok Brothers Sdn Bhd and PPB Group Bhd for a three-year term commencing April 1, 2026. The leases cover a combined 27,191 sq. ft. at a rental rate of RM6.40 per sq. ft., up from RM6.20 previously. UBN Tower has a total lettable area of 329,800 sq. ft., with 158,861 sq. ft. available as at Feb 28, 2026, translating to an occupancy rate of 52%.
SOUTHERN ACIDS SECURES RM2 MILLION KLANG PROPERTY
The Edge, 30/03/2026 & The Star, 31/03/2026
Southern Acids (M) Bhd is acquiring a two-and-a-half storey semi-detached residential property measuring 9,087 sq. ft. in Klang, Selangor from Wong Siau Fong for RM1.9 million. The property will be rented to a wholly-owned subsidiary, Southern Medicare Sdn Bhd, for use as nurses’ accommodation, replacing the existing ageing building currently rented from a related party.
EPMB TO BUY INDUSTRIAL PLOTS FOR RM35 MILLION
The Star, 31/03/2026
EP Manufacturing Bhd (EPMB) is proposing to acquire six pieces of freehold industrial land measuring 18.75 acres in Alor Gajah, Melaka, from Xepa-Soul Pattinson (M) Sdn Bhd for RM35.12 million. The proposed acquisition is to expand its vehicle assembly and component manufacturing operations by addressing the critical need for increased capacity.
NCT ALLIANCE EXPANDS FLAGSHIP INDUSTRIAL PARK WITH RM53 MILLION LAND ACQUISITION
The Edge, 31/03/2026
NCT Alliance Bhd is strengthening its flagship NCT Smart Industrial Park with the acquisition of 176.71 acres of an adjoining industrial land in the Kuala Langat district for RM53 million. Its wholly-owned subsidiary NCT World Sdn Bhd has signed a term sheet to subscribe for 998 new shares in Semanja Murni Sdn Bhd (SMSB) whose principal asset the leasehold land with tenure running until January 2124. The land sits directly next to the NCT Smart Industrial Park and will be fully integrated into the master-planned development. The expansion is expected to enhance infrastructure planning, optimise shared facilities, and support the group’s long-term industrial ecosystem strategy.
MATRIX CONCEPTS EYES FURTHER INDUSTRIAL PHASES AFTER 85% TAKE-UP AT MVV TECHVALLEY
The Edge, 02/04/2026, NST & The Star, 03/04/2026
Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd has achieved a take-up rate of over 85% for the latest phase of its 1.5-storey semi-detached factories at MVV TechValley Biz Park during its pre-launch. The 40-unit phase of industrial properties with built-ups from 6,307 sq. ft. is priced between RM3.4 million and RM4.4 million per unit. Matrix Concepts noted that the units attracted a diverse mix of buyers from the manufacturing, logistics, and technology sectors seeking space within the Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0 (MVV 2.0) corridor. MVV TechValley is the second industrial project by the group following Sendayan TechValley, where all phases were fully taken up. The project sits within the larger MVV City, a future-planned, integrated city where industry, business, and community development coexist. The township integrates industrial zones with residential neighbourhoods, commercial hubs, and lifestyle amenities. Following the demand for the initial phase, Matrix Concepts is planning additional industrial developments in the region, including semi-detached and cluster factories.
IJM SCORES SECOND DATA CENTRE JOB WORTH RM658 MILLION FROM SIME DARBY PROPERTY
The Edge, 01/04/2026
IJM Corporation Bhd has bagged a second contract to develop a data centre at Elmina Business Park in Selangor, this time worth RM658.01 million. The contract from Sime Darby Property Bhd covers construction, completion, testing and commissioning of the hyperscale data centre, including ancillary facilities, on a site spanning about 77 acres, according to their exchange filings. Construction works will start in 2Q26, with completion targeted by 3Q27.
KEMAJUAN TONG TOR LAUNCHES MORE PHASES AT TERRA HEIGHTS IN JB
Starproperty.my, 30/03/2026
Johor-based developer Kemajuan Tong Tor Sdn Bhd has recently launched Phase 1B Rosewood of Terra Heights, located at Bukit Amber. Spanning 400 acres, Terra Heights has a total gross development value of RM3.5 billion.
The launch of Phase IB follows the success of Phase 1A which has garnered a take-up rate of 97%. Phase 1A had offered 251 units of double-storey terrace houses with a dimension of 20 ft by 80 ft, featuring four bedrooms and four bathrooms with a built-up area of 2,468 sq. ft. Phase 1B comprises a total of 237 units, also with a dimension of 20 ft by 80 ft, featuring four bedrooms and four bathrooms. In addition, Phase IB also introduces 80 units of double-storey semi-detached homes measuring 34 ft by 95 ft.
The units are designed for spaciousness and premium comfort, featuring a private yard and maximisation of the outdoor view. Terra Heights is also an enclave with 24-hour security, a gated perimeter and a three-acre park for residents only, providing them with an exclusive living environment. It enjoys connectivity to the North-South Highway, is within 5km of Chinese primary schools and 11km to Paradigm Mall JB.
SUNWAY, EQUALBASE OPEN 103° FREE COMMERCIAL ZONE IN JOHOR AS OPERATIONS COMMENCE
The Edge, 30/03/2026
Sunway Group and Equalbase have officially opened 103°, a 136-acre free commercial zone (FCZ) in Sunway City Iskandar Puteri, Johor with its first two warehouses spanning 1.5 million sq. ft. completed and fully leased to international operators. A third warehouse of 750,000 sq. ft. under phase one is targeted for completion in early 2027, while another 1 million sq. ft. is scheduled for completion in early 2028. The broader FCZ masterplan will eventually provide more than 6 million sq. ft. of integrated industrial real estate across four phases.
SURFACE DECOR FIRM TOPMIX BUYS JOHOR INDUSTRIAL LAND TO BOOST CAPACITY
The Edge, 01/04/2026
Topmix Bhd, a surface decorative company, is expanding its footprint in Johor with the proposed acquisition of two parcels of industrial land in Pulai for RM18.97 million. Topmix is buying the freehold vacant lands, measuring 2.5 acre in total, from Kesas Kenangan Sdn Bhd.
PARAGON GLOBE TO PARTNER SHANGHAI-LISTED GSP AUTOMOTIVE TO DEVELOP AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRIAL HUB IN JOHOR
The Edge, 30/03/2026 & The Sun, 31/03/2026
Construction and property company Paragon Globe Bhd is partnering with Shanghai-listed GSP Automotive Group, via subsidiary GSP Automotive Malaysia Sdn Bhd, to develop an automotive industrial hub in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. Paragon Globe will plan, manage and build the specialised, automotive-focused industrial cluster on 47 acres of its 109-acre Iskandar Puteri land bank. Paragon Globe will also develop and lease two factory units to anchor tenant GSP. GSP plans to establish research and development centres, automated distribution hubs and manufacturing plants to create a fully-integrated automotive supply chain hub. It will also leverage its global network to bring international component manufacturers, suppliers and logistics into the industrial hub.
PARAMOUNT CONVERTS SINARAN RESIDENCES AND SINARAN AVENUE IN UTROPOLIS BATU KAWAN TO FREEHOLD TENURE
The Edge, 30/03/2026
Paramount Property has converted the land tenure of its fully sold Sinaran Residences (residential) and Sinaran Avenue (commercial) developments in Utropolis Batu Kawan, Penang, from leasehold to freehold, benefiting 980 purchasers. The freehold strata titles have been issued to 964 purchasers of Sinaran Residences and 16 purchasers of Sinaran Avenue following regulatory approvals from the Penang state government and participation from homeowners who opted for the tenure upgrade.
Sinaran Residences is the third residential phase of the 33.8-acre Utropolis Batu Kawan integrated development, comprising 964 serviced apartment units across two towers, while Sinaran Avenue consists of 16 retail units. The project is located near key infrastructure and economic drivers such as Batu Kawan Industrial Park, the Penang Second Bridge, UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College, Design Village Outlet Mall and Bandar Cassia.
PENANG RECLASSIFIES LAND WITHOUT PLANNING APPROVAL TO REDUCE QUIT RENT RATES
The Edge, 01/04/2026
The Penang state executive council has agreed to a revised mechanism for determining the annual quit rent rates aimed at reducing the financial burden on landowners. All land classified under industrial and commercial use on first grade land, particularly those without planning approval, will be reclassified as building use. Under the new structure, quit rent rates will follow the “building (others)” category, set at 70 sen per sq. m. for urban land and 50 sen per sq. m. for rural land. However, affected landowners will not be eligible for the existing 50% rebate.
The state implemented the quit rent revision and reclassification of rural land to urban status statewide from Jan 1 under Section 101 of the National Land Code, affecting nearly 370,000 land titles across residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural and other categories.
BHIC TO DISPOSE OF PENANG SHIPYARD LAND, BOOKING RM14.4 MILLION GAIN
The Edge, 31/03/2026
Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd (BHIC) is planning to dispose of a 26-acre leasehold land in Pulau Jerejak, Penang, which was previously used for the group’s shipbuilding operation, for RM28 million. Karya Koperat Sdn Bhd, a unit of property firm Ark Resources Holdings Bhd, is the buyer of the mixed industrial and building land.
NEW BOOST TO PENANG’S HEALTHCARE
The Star, 31/03/2026
A Singapore-based private healthcare provider, Alfa Medicus, has picked Penang as the launch pad for its first specialist centre outside the republic. Alfa Medicus, which operates four centres in Singapore, marked its Malaysian debut with the opening of Aptus Surgery and Specialists Centre in Jalan Burma, George Town. The RM100 million facility spans over 37,997 sq. ft. across five floors, housing specialist consultations, operating theatre support, anaesthesiology and pharmacy services. Its in-house disciplines include general surgery, otolaryngology (ENT), orthopaedics, ophthalmology and aesthetic medicine.
